Calculate fence materials, posts, and costs for wood, vinyl, chain link, and composite fencing. Get a complete material list and cost estimate instantly.
Ready to calculate
Select a fence type and enter dimensions
| Type | Height | Cost/LF | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | 6 ft | $12-32/LF | 15-20 years | Medium |
| Wood Board-on-Board | 6 ft | $18-43/LF | 15-20 years | Medium |
| Chain Link | 4 ft | $7-22/LF | 20-30 years | Low |
| Vinyl Privacy | 6 ft | $22-44/LF | 25-30 years | Low |
| Composite | 6 ft | $30-55/LF | 25-50 years | Very Low |
Why expert review matters
Every calculator is reviewed by certified professionals to ensure accuracy.Hawkin's CCP, CEP certification ensures professional-grade precision.
How many pickets do I need per foot?
About 3.4 standard (3.5") pickets per linear foot with no gap. Add 10% for waste and cuts.
How deep should fence posts be?
Bury 1/3 of total post length — 2ft deep for a 6ft fence. Go below frost line in cold climates.
How much does fencing cost per linear foot?
Chain link: $7-15/LF, wood privacy: $12-25/LF, vinyl: $22-40/LF, composite: $30-55/LF installed.
Chain link vs wood: pros and cons?
Chain link is cheaper and lasts longer but offers no privacy. Wood looks better and blocks views but needs staining every 2-3 years.
How many bags of concrete per post?
2 bags of 50-lb concrete per 4x4 post in a 10" hole, 24" deep. Larger posts may need 3-4 bags.
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 feet for wood and vinyl, 10 feet for chain link. Use 6-foot spacing in high-wind areas.
Enter your total fence length, select a fence type, and specify gate details. The calculator subtracts gate openings from total length, then calculates post count based on your spacing. For wood fences, picket count uses standard 3.5" width (with overlap for board-on-board). Material and labor costs are estimated per linear foot based on current national averages.
Subtract Gates
Fence length = Linear feet - (gates x gate width)
Calculate Posts
Posts = ceil(fence ft / spacing) + 1 + (gates x 2)
Materials & Cost
Pickets, rails, or panels calculated by type + 10% waste
Key Formulas
Posts = ceil(fence ft / post spacing) + 1 + (gates x 2)
Pickets = ceil(fence ft x 12 / picket width) x 1.10
Concrete = posts x 2 bags (50 lb each)