How to use this calculator
- Enter Fence length in ft.
- Enter Material.
- Enter Gates.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
2026 installed per linear foot: chain link $10–$18, wood privacy $15–$30, vinyl $25–$40, aluminum $30–$55. Gates add $150–$600 each. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Where this fits in the project
Fence runs are linear takeoffs: posts on 8 ft centers, two or three rails per section, then infill. Every post needs a hole below frost line — check the post depth calculator — and about two bags from the concrete bag calculator to set it.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the fence cost calculator:
- Fence Calculator — Estimate cost from fence material quantities.
- Chain Link Fence Calculator — Chain link is the most economical fence option.
- Picket Fence Calculator — Wood picket fencing cost estimation.
- Fence Post Depth Calculator — Deeper posts require more concrete, increasing cost.
- Deck Cost Calculator — Compare fencing vs decking outdoor project budgets.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest fence that lasts?
Chain link — 20–30 year life at the lowest per-foot cost; galvanized outlasts vinyl-coated in harsh sun.
Does slope change fence cost?
Yes — stepped or racked panels on grades add labor; heavily sloped runs price 10–25% higher.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.