Fence Calculator: Posts, Rails, Concrete and Cost
| Material | Per linear ft | Your job | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $15–$30 | $2,250–$4,500 | 20+ yrs |
| Wood privacy | $25–$45 | $3,750–$6,750 | 15–20 yrs |
| Vinyl | $30–$50 | $4,500–$7,500 | 20–30 yrs |
| Ornamental aluminium | $35–$65 | $5,250–$9,750 | 30+ yrs |
How the fence maths works
Every number comes from the length and the post spacing. The cost ranges are typical national installed prices, not a quote — local labour and soil move them.
- Sections. Length ÷ post spacing, rounded up.
- Posts. Sections + 1 end post + 1 extra post per gate.
- Rails. Two per section up to 5 ft tall, three above.
- Concrete. 1.5 bags (50 lb) per post up to 5 ft, 2 bags above, rounded up.
- Pickets. Fence length in inches ÷ 5.5-inch boards, butted, for a wood privacy fence.
Common questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide the fence length by the post spacing, round up to get the sections, then add one post for the end and one for each gate. A 150 ft fence at 8 ft spacing with one gate needs 19 sections and 21 posts.
How much concrete per fence post?
About one and a half 50-lb bags per post for a fence up to 5 ft, and two bags for 6 ft and taller, set in a hole roughly three times the post width and a third of its above-ground height deep.
How much does a fence cost per linear foot?
Installed, roughly $15–$30 for chain link, $25–$45 for wood privacy, $30–$50 for vinyl and $35–$65 for ornamental aluminium. Gates, old-fence removal, slopes and rocky soil add to it.
How do I measure my fence line without a measuring wheel?
Trace it on a satellite map. Our fencing demo lets you tap each corner of the line and shows the linear feet as you go — typically within a few percent of a wheel on a visible boundary.
Trace the fence line and get a real quote.
Type your address, tap the corners of your fence on the satellite map, and compare chain link, wood and vinyl — without a contractor walking the yard.
- Free, no credit card
- Works on any US address
- Three options, good to best
- No site visit to get a number