Calculator
Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate what a new fence should cost by length, height, material and number of gates.
Model reviewed August 2026
Estimated total cost
$6,572 – $9,712
Installed, including gates and permit
- Cost per linear foot
- $33 – $49
- Gate allowance
- $840
- Posts required (8 ft spacing)
- 26 posts
Estimates only. Local pricing, site conditions and code requirements change the real number.
The formula
Cost = linear feet x material rate x height factor + gates + permit
Fencing is priced per linear foot installed. Height drives cost more than most homeowners expect, because a 6 ft fence needs deeper posts and more material than a 4 ft fence.
Worked example
200 linear feet of 6 ft vinyl fence with two gates runs roughly $8,000 to $12,000 installed in a typical metro.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Installed fencing typically runs $18 to $30 per linear foot for chain link and wood, $30 to $45 for vinyl and aluminum, and $50 or more for composite.
Is a 6 ft fence much more expensive than 4 ft?
Yes — expect roughly 20% more than a 4 ft fence of the same material, because of extra panel material and deeper post setting.
What is the cheapest type of fence to install?
Chain link is the lowest-cost option in this calculator at about $18 per linear foot before height and gates, followed by pressure-treated wood. Vinyl, aluminum and composite cost more upfront but need less upkeep.
How much does a gate add to fence cost?
This calculator allows about $420 per standard walk gate, with a range of roughly $335 to $545. Wide drive gates, automatic openers and custom hardware cost considerably more.
How much does 100 feet of fence cost?
100 linear feet of 6 ft vinyl with one gate and a $120 permit comes to roughly $3,340 to $4,920 in this calculator. Wood runs a little less and composite noticeably more.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Many U.S. cities require a fence permit, especially for fences over 6 ft, front-yard fences, and pool barriers. Homeowner association rules and property-line setbacks also apply, so check both before ordering materials.
How many fence posts do I need?
With the common 8 ft post spacing, divide the fence length by 8 and add one. A 200 ft run needs 26 posts, plus extra posts at corners and on each side of every gate.
Sources
Sources & verification
- International Residential Code — barrier and post requirements
- AWPA treated-wood use categories
- International Code Council (IRC/IBC)
Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.