Fence cost calculator: estimate posts, panels & materials
How to estimate fence materials, posts, concrete, and total cost — formulas and US average pricing for every fence type.
April 13, 2026 · 5 min read
Fence projects look simple until you start counting posts. Here's how to estimate panels, posts, concrete, and total cost without surprises.
Step 1 — Measure linear feet
Walk the perimeter and measure every straight run. Add them up — that's your total linear feet. Don't forget gates: subtract gate width from your fence length.
Step 2 — Calculate posts
Posts go every 6–8 feet. Standard formula:
posts = (linear feet / spacing) + 1 per run + 1 per corner + 1 per gate side
For a 100 ft straight fence at 8 ft spacing: 100/8 + 1 = 14 posts.
Step 3 — Panels or pickets
Pre-built panels: panels = linear feet / panel width (typically 6 or 8 ft).
Individual pickets: pickets = linear feet × 12 / picket width inches. Add 5–10% waste.
Step 4 — Concrete
Most posts need a 10–12" diameter hole, 24–36" deep. One 50 lb bag of fast-setting concrete fills about 0.5 cu ft. A typical 4x4 post hole takes 1–2 bags per post.
Prefer doing this on your phone at the job site? Smart Fencing Calculator is now a free Android app on Google Play, alongside the web version — same formulas, no signup.
Cost breakdown (rough US averages)
- Wood (pressure-treated pine): $15–$30/linear ft
- Cedar: $25–$45/linear ft
- Vinyl: $25–$40/linear ft
- Chain link: $10–$20/linear ft
- Labor: $30–$60/linear ft installed
Don't forget
- Gate hardware ($50–$200/gate)
- Stain or sealant for wood
- Permit fees (call your city)
- Underground utility check (call 811 in the US)
