Free Fence Calculator - Materials, Posts & Cost Estimate (2026)

For a typical 150-200 linear foot residential fence, expect to pay: Wood privacy: $3,000-$7,000, Chain link: $1,500-$5,000, Vinyl: $3,000-$9,000, Aluminum: $3,750-$11,000. These prices include materials and professional installation. The biggest cost variables are fence type, height, terrain difficulty, and local labor rates.

Standard fence post spacing is every 8 feet on center for most fence types. However, 6-foot spacing provides stronger results in high-wind areas. Corner posts and gate posts should be set deeper (minimum 1/3 of total post length below grade) and use larger posts (4x6 or 6x6 instead of 4x4) for added strength.

The general rule is to bury 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence using 8-foot posts, dig 24-30 inches deep. For an 8-foot fence, dig 30-36 inches. Post holes should be 3 times the post width (12 inches for a 4x4 post). In frost-prone areas, extend below the frost line to prevent heaving.

Use 1-2 bags of 50-lb quick-set concrete per post for a standard 4x4 post in a 10-12 inch diameter hole. For 4x6 or 6x6 corner and gate posts, use 2-3 bags. Quick-set concrete (like Quikrete Fast-Setting) can be poured dry into the hole and wetted. No mixing required. Posts can typically be loaded the same day.

Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall, and some require permits for any fence. Common regulations include: maximum height (typically 6 ft for backyard, 4 ft for front yard), setback requirements (often 1-2 ft inside property line), and restrictions in easements or sight triangles near intersections. Always check local codes before building.

Aluminum and vinyl fences last 30-50+ years with virtually no maintenance. Cedar wood fences last 15-20 years with regular staining every 2-3 years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15-20 years. Chain link lasts 20-30 years (longer with vinyl coating). For longevity with a wood look, composite fencing lasts 25-30 years but costs $30-$45 per linear foot installed.

Start with total linear footage, then divide by post spacing (8 ft) and add 1 for the end post to get your post count. Multiply sections by rails per section: 2 rails for 4-ft fence, 3 rails for 6-ft or 8-ft fence. For wood pickets, divide total linear footage by picket width plus gap (typically 3.5 inches for 1x4 cedar). Add 10% overage on all materials for cuts and waste. Our fence calculator handles all of this automatically once you enter your linear footage, height, and fence type.

Chain link is the least expensive option at $10-$25 per linear foot installed for residential jobs. Wire agricultural fencing runs cheaper, but it provides no privacy and is not code-compliant in most residential zones. For privacy fences, wood is the most affordable starting point at $20-$40 per linear foot. Vinyl costs more upfront ($25-$50/lf) but requires zero maintenance, so the 20-year cost of ownership is often comparable to wood once you factor in staining every 2-3 years.

Most residential backyards require 150-250 linear feet of fencing. At those lengths, installed costs typically run: Chain link: $2,000-$5,500, Wood privacy: $3,500-$9,000, Vinyl: $4,500-$12,500, Aluminum: $5,000-$14,000. These ranges include posts, rails, pickets, concrete, one walk gate, and professional installation. Sloped terrain, rocky substrate, or a large double-drive gate typically adds $500-$2,000 to any baseline estimate.