Fence Calculator

Estimate fence materials and cost for any fencing project. Calculate pickets, posts, rails, concrete bags, and total project cost for wood, vinyl, or chain link fences.

$2,594

estimated total cost for 146 linear ft

Pickets Needed

38

Posts Needed

21

Concrete Bags

42

Cost Breakdown

$692

Materials

$1,752

Labor

$150

Gates

How to Calculate Fence Materials

Building a fence requires estimating four main materials: posts, rails, pickets (or panels), and concrete for post footings. The number of posts depends on the fence length and post spacing — typically 8 feet apart for wood fences. Rails run horizontally between posts, with one rail per 3 feet of fence height. Pickets are the vertical boards; count depends on picket width and the gap between them. Each post needs approximately 2 bags of fast-setting concrete.

Fence Cost Breakdown by Type

Fence TypeMaterials (per ft)Installed (per ft)LifespanMaintenance
Wood Privacy$3-5$15-3010-15 yrsStain every 2-3 yrs
Vinyl$8-12$25-4520-30 yrsMinimal — wash with hose
Chain Link$2-4$10-2015-25 yrsMinimal — occasional washing
Aluminum/Wrought Iron$10-18$25-5020+ yrsTouch up paint as needed

Tips for Reducing Fence Costs

  • Use 8-foot post spacing instead of 6-foot to reduce post count
  • Choose pressure-treated pine instead of cedar or redwood
  • Install the fence yourself — labor is 40-50% of total cost
  • Buy materials in bulk from lumber yards instead of big box stores
  • Plan gates carefully — each gate adds $100-200 to the cost

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a fence?
Fence costs vary by material and length. Wood privacy fences cost $15-30 per linear foot installed ($3-5 per ft for materials). Vinyl fences cost $25-45 per linear foot. Chain link is most affordable at $10-20 per linear foot. Labor typically accounts for 40-50% of the total cost. A typical 150-foot wood privacy fence costs $2,500-4,500 professionally installed.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard fence post spacing is 8 feet for most residential fences. Some heavy-duty or vinyl fences may require 6-foot spacing. Chain link fences typically use 10-foot post spacing. Closer spacing provides a stronger fence but increases material and labor costs. Posts should be set at least 2 feet deep (below frost line in cold climates) and secured with concrete.
How many pickets do I need for a privacy fence?
For a standard privacy fence with 5.5-inch pickets and 0.5-inch gap, you need approximately 6 pickets per linear foot. A 150-foot fence would require about 900 pickets. This calculator accounts for your specific picket width and spacing to give an accurate count. Tighter gaps mean more pickets but better privacy.
What type of fence lasts the longest?
Vinyl fences last the longest — 20-30 years with minimal maintenance. Chain link fences can last 15-25 years. Wood fences typically last 10-15 years but require staining or sealing every 2-3 years. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant and last longer than pressure-treated pine. Metal fences (aluminum, wrought iron) can last 20+ years.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall in backyards and 3-4 feet in front yards. Check your local building department before starting. Homeowner's associations (HOAs) often have additional restrictions on fence materials, colors, and heights. Some areas have setback requirements that determine how far from property lines the fence must be.

Related Tools