Fence Build Cost Calculator

Fence cost = linear feet × $/LF. Wood, vinyl, chain-link, aluminum rates.

Inputs

Result

Loading calculator…
—

General calculation reads

Amazon affiliate
How Not to Be Wrong
Jordan Ellenberg - math thinking
Shop on Amazon
The Joy of X
Steven Strogatz - accessible math
Shop on Amazon
Scientific calculator (Casio fx-991EX)
Shop on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not add cost for you.

How to use this calculator

  • Measure perimeter to fence in linear feet.
  • Pick material — match to neighborhood.
  • Add gate count and unit cost.
  • Verify permit requirements with your municipality.

About this calculator

Fence pricing is dominated by material choice and labor density. Chain-link is the budget option (functional but ugly). Wood (cedar, pine) is the residential standard. Vinyl is "set and forget" — never paint, never replace boards, but white-only aesthetic. Aluminum/wrought iron is decorative pool/estate fencing. Always include gates as a separate line — a 4-ft pedestrian gate is ~$300, a 12-ft drive gate is $1,000+. Most jurisdictions require permits for fences over 6 ft and any fence in a front yard.

Frequently asked

Cedar vs. pressure-treated wood?+
Cedar: rot-resistant, weathers gray, ~$35/LF. PT pine: cheaper at ~$25/LF but requires staining every 2-3 years.
Vinyl really last?+
Premium vinyl (PVC) lasts 20-30 years. Cheap vinyl yellows and gets brittle in 5-10 years. Pay for the good stuff.
Who pays for shared fence?+
Most states allow split cost between neighbors with notice. Local "good neighbor" laws vary — check before you build.
Posts in concrete?+
Yes, especially for wood. Concrete the post 24-36" deep, below frost line. Skip and your fence leans within 3 years.
Gate spring cost?+
Gates need their own posts (sized larger), hinges, latch, and often a self-closing spring or hydraulic. The $300-500/gate figure includes all that.

Related calculators

Fence Material Calculator
Posts, panels, and rails for a wood/vinyl/chain-link fence.
Deck Build Cost Calculator
Deck cost = sq ft × material rate. Pressure-treated, cedar, composite, and hardwood pricing built in.
Painting Cost Per Room Calculator
Painting cost = (wall + ceiling) ft² × $/ft² labor & materials. Interior or exterior.
Flooring Installation Cost Calculator
Flooring cost = sq ft × $/ft² (hardwood / tile / vinyl / carpet) + removal of existing.
ROI on Renovation Calculator
ROI = (post-value − pre-value − reno cost) / reno cost. Factor in regional appreciation to separate true ROI from market gains.
Contractor Markup Calculator
Invoice = (material + labor) × (1 + markup %). Standard residential markup is 15-25%; remodeling 20-30%.

More tools you might like

Hand-picked tools that pair well with this one — same audience, same intent.

Fence Material Calculator
Calc

Posts, panels, and rails for a wood/vinyl/chain-link fence.

Deck Build Cost Calculator
Calc

Deck cost = sq ft × material rate. Pressure-treated, cedar, composite, and hardwood pricing built in.

Flooring Installation Cost Calculator
Calc

Flooring cost = sq ft × $/ft² (hardwood / tile / vinyl / carpet) + removal of existing.

Painting Cost Per Room Calculator
Calc

Painting cost = (wall + ceiling) ft² × $/ft² labor & materials. Interior or exterior.

ROI on Renovation Calculator
Calc

ROI = (post-value − pre-value − reno cost) / reno cost. Factor in regional appreciation to separate true ROI from market gains.

Dollar-Cost Averaging Calculator
Finance

Outcome of investing a fixed amount monthly over time.