Fencing Cost Calculator

Calculate fence materials needed and total cost based on perimeter, height, fence type, and post spacing.

Posts = (Perimeter / Post Spacing) + 1; Total Cost = (Perimeter × Cost per Foot) + (Gates × $200)
200 ft perimeter, 6 ft height, wood privacy ($22/ft), 8 ft post spacing, 1 gate: 26 posts, 25 panels, $4,400 fencing + $200 gate = $4,600 total

How do I calculate how much fencing I need?

Measure total perimeter to be fenced in linear feet. Walk property boundaries with measuring tape or use property survey. Add all sides: front + back + two sides = total perimeter. Subtract gate widths (typically 3-4 feet per gate). Example: 100' x 50' backyard, fence three sides (no front) = 50 + 100 + 50 = 200 linear feet. Subtract 4' gate = 196 feet of fencing needed. Add 5% extra for waste and corrections.

How far apart should fence posts be spaced?

Standard fence post spacing: Wood fence: 8 feet on center (6-8 feet range). Vinyl fence: 6-8 feet (follow manufacturer specs). Chain link: 10 feet maximum. Metal/aluminum: 6-8 feet. Privacy fence: 8 feet maximum for stability. Corner posts, gate posts, and end posts require stronger bracing. Closer spacing (6 feet) recommended for: high wind areas, tall fences (over 6 feet), heavy/solid panels, uneven terrain. Posts are most critical structural element.

What type of fence is most cost-effective?

Cost comparison per linear foot installed: Chain link: $8-18 (cheapest, durable, low maintenance). Wood fence (pine): $15-30 (moderate cost, needs maintenance). Vinyl fence: $20-40 (higher initial cost, no maintenance). Aluminum: $25-40 (durable, decorative). Composite: $30-60 (expensive, very low maintenance). Cedar/redwood: $25-50 (beautiful, rot-resistant). For budget: chain link. For privacy and value: wood. For long-term savings: vinyl (no painting/staining ever).

How many fence panels do I need?

Panels typically come in 6 or 8-foot sections. Calculate: Linear feet / panel width = panels needed. Example: 200 feet perimeter with 8-foot panels = 200/8 = 25 panels. Round up for partial sections. Account for gates (don't count as panels). Pre-made panels faster to install than board-by-board. Panel fence requires posts at each panel junction. For 8' panels, posts every 8 feet. Add corner posts, gate posts, end posts to count.

How deep should fence posts be set?

General rule: Bury 1/3 of post length. Standard depths: 4-foot fence: 2 feet deep posts (6' total length). 6-foot fence: 2-2.5 feet deep (8-8.5' total). 8-foot fence: 3 feet deep (11' total). Corner/gate posts: 6 inches deeper than line posts. Frost line consideration: Posts must go below frost line (varies by region: 12-48 inches deep) to prevent heaving. Use concrete for stability (60 lb bag per post). Gravel base for drainage prevents rot.

Do I need a permit to install a fence?

Permits required in most jurisdictions. Check local regulations: Height limits (often 6 feet backyard, 3-4 feet front yard). Setback requirements (distance from property line). HOA restrictions (style, color, height). Survey requirements (must fence on your property). Apply for permit before starting: Submit site plan, fence specifications, property survey. Typical permit cost: $50-200. Penalties for unpermitted work: fines, removal requirements, legal disputes with neighbors. Always verify property lines first.

How long does a fence installation take?

Timeline varies by fence type and length: 100 linear feet wood fence: 2-3 days (DIY), 1-2 days (pro crew). Chain link: Faster, 1-2 days for 100 feet. Vinyl fence: 2-3 days (panels snap together). Wrought iron: 3-5 days (more complex). Factors affecting time: Terrain (flat vs. sloped), soil conditions (clay, rock, sand), concrete curing (24-48 hours), weather, crew size. DIY typically 2-3x slower than professional. Post setting day 1, panels/boards day 2-3, gates/finishing day 3-4.