Fence Cost Calculator
Building a fence requires careful planning to estimate posts, panels or pickets, and gates accurately. Our fence cost calculator determines exactly how much material you need based on your fence dimensions, style, and gate requirements. Enter your property measurements, choose between panel or picket style, and get complete material counts with optional cost estimates. Whether fencing a backyard, property perimeter, or garden area, this calculator helps you order the right materials and budget for your project.
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- Updated 2026-02-04
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First side of rectangle
Second side of rectangle
For straight run only
Typical: 6-8 ft on center
Walk gate ~3-4 ft, drive gate ~10-16 ft
Standard panels: 6 or 8 ft
Standard picket: 3.5 or 5.5 in
Typical: 0-3 in gap
10% standard for fence materials
4×4 post: $8-25 each
6 ft panel: $40-150 each
Wood picket: $1-4 each
Walk gate: $75-200 each
Visual Preview
Fill in the form to see your estimate.
How It's Calculated
1. Total Fence Length: - Rectangle: Perimeter = 2 × (Side A + Side B) - Straight: Total = entered length 2. Gate Deduction: - Gate Opening = Number of Gates × Gate Width - Net Length = Total Length - Gate Opening 3. Post Count: - Base Posts = ceiling(Net Length / Post Spacing) + 1 - Gate Posts = 2 per gate - Rectangle: minimum 4 corner posts 4. Material Count: - Panels: ceiling(Net Length × (1 + Waste) / Panel Width) - Pickets: ceiling(Net Length × Pickets per Foot × (1 + Waste)) - Pickets per Foot = 12 / (Picket Width + Gap) 5. Costs (if provided): - Sum of (quantity × unit cost) for each material
Worked Examples
A 50×40 ft backyard (180 ft perimeter) with one 4 ft gate has 176 ft of fence. Needs approximately 24 posts (8 ft spacing plus corners and gate posts) and 25 panels (8 ft panels with 10% waste). Estimated cost: posts $360 + panels $2,125 + gate $150 = $2,635.
An 80 ft straight run with no gates needs 11 posts (8 ft spacing) and 15 panels (6 ft panels with 10% waste). Estimated cost: posts $132 + panels $975 = $1,107.
A 20×15 ft garden (70 ft perimeter) with 3 ft gate has 67 ft of fence. With 3.5 in pickets and 3 in gaps, needs about 1.85 pickets per foot. Total: approximately 14 posts, 137 pickets. Cost: posts $140 + pickets $343 + gate $100 = $583.
Assumptions & Waste Factor
- Post count is an estimate - terrain and corners affect actual needs
- Gate openings are subtracted from fence length
- Each gate requires 2 additional posts (included in count)
- Panel count includes waste factor
- Picket calculation assumes consistent spacing
- Concrete, hardware, and rails not included in estimates
- Labor costs not included
Standard 10% waste factor covers damaged materials and cutting waste. Increase to 15% if using knotty wood or if the terrain requires many angle cuts. For picket fences, the waste factor applies to picket count.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts do I need for a fence?
Divide your fence length by post spacing (typically 6-8 feet) and add 1. For a 100 ft fence with 8 ft spacing, you need 14 posts (100÷8=12.5, rounded up to 13, plus 1 end post). Add 2 posts for each gate and corner posts for perimeter fences.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard fence post spacing is 6-8 feet on center. Use 6 ft spacing for heavy panels, windy areas, or privacy fences. Use 8 ft for lighter panels in calm areas. Post spacing must match panel width for pre-built panel fencing.
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
Wood fence costs $12-50 per linear foot installed. Basic pine privacy fence runs $12-20/ft, cedar fence $20-35/ft, and redwood fence $30-50/ft. Materials alone cost $8-25/ft depending on style and wood type.
What is the difference between panels and pickets?
Pre-built fence panels are complete sections (typically 6 or 8 ft wide) that attach between posts. They are faster to install but less flexible for curves. Individual pickets are attached one at a time to rails, allowing custom spacing and curves but taking more labor.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Set fence posts at least 2 feet deep, or one-third of the post length for taller fences. In cold climates, posts should extend below the frost line (3-4 feet in northern states). Use concrete for all posts, especially corner and gate posts.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
A standard 4×4 fence post in a 10-inch diameter hole needs 1-2 bags of concrete (50 lb bags). Use 2 bags for corner posts, gate posts, and in loose soil. Quick-setting concrete is convenient but standard concrete is stronger.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 fence posts?
Use 4×4 posts for fences up to 6 feet tall with 8 ft spacing. Use 6×6 posts for taller fences, gate posts, corner posts, or in windy areas. 6×6 posts cost more but provide significantly greater strength and resistance to warping.
How long does a wood fence last?
Cedar and redwood fences last 15-20+ years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 10-15 years. Lifespan depends on climate, maintenance (staining/sealing every 2-3 years), ground contact, and whether posts were properly set in concrete.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, installation methods, and other factors. Always consult with a qualified professional before making purchasing decisions.