Enter the length of your fence and pick a style. The calculator counts posts, sections and concrete, and compares installed costs across five common fence types.
How the fence calculator works
Posts = sections + 1 + one extra post per gate
Concrete = 2 × 80-lb bags per post
Cost = length × price per foot + gates + removal
The concrete figure assumes a post hole 10 inches wide and 30 inches deep, the usual size for a 4 × 4 post on a 6-foot fence. That hole holds about 1.15 cubic feet of concrete, just under two 80-lb bags. Frost-prone areas often require deeper holes, so check your local code.
Worked example: 150 ft of 6-ft wood privacy fence
With 8-foot sections, 150 feet needs 19 sections and 21 posts, counting one extra post for a gate, and 42 bags of concrete. At $25 per foot installed plus a $400 gate, the fence costs about $4,150.
Fence cost per foot in 2026
Angi puts the typical professionally installed fence at $15–$25 per linear foot, as reported by NerdWallet. Material choice moves the price the most:
| Fence type | Installed price per foot | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link, 4 ft | $10–$20 | 20+ years |
| Wood picket, 4 ft | $10–$36 | 15–20 years |
| Wood privacy, 6 ft | $15–$35 | 15–20 years with stain |
| Vinyl privacy, 6 ft | $25–$55 | 20–30 years |
| Aluminum, 4–5 ft | $30–$55 | 30+ years |
Removing an old fence usually adds $3–$5 per foot. For more detail, see our fence cost guide.
Before you dig
- Call 811. It’s free, and the utility companies mark buried lines within a few days.
- Find your property line. A survey or your plat map prevents building on a neighbor’s land.
- Check HOA and city rules. Many limit front-yard fences to 3–4 feet and require the finished side to face out.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
6 to 8 feet for wood and vinyl privacy fences; up to 10 feet for chain link. Closer spacing makes a stronger fence in high-wind areas.
How deep should fence posts go?
A common rule is one-third of the post’s length in the ground, at least 24 inches, and below the frost line in cold climates.
What’s the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link, followed by basic wood picket and wood privacy fences.
Sources: NerdWallet, citing Angi (2026); Inch Calculator fence cost data (2026); HomeGnome vinyl fence costs (2026).
