Fence Calculator
Work out how many posts, rails and sections a run of fence needs, then see what it costs installed for wood, vinyl, chain-link or aluminum.
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Estimated cost
$4,020 – $7,830
Typical figure around $5,925.
- Fence run
- 120 linear ft
- Posts
- 16 posts
- Sections
- 15 sections
- Rails
- 45 rails
Installed cost, including posts, rails, panels and a gate allowance.
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
How this estimate is calculated
The estimate is built from fence length (ft), fence height (ft), walk gates (count) and material, then priced at national average rates. It reports fence run, posts, sections and rails, with quantities rounded up so you are never short of material and the standard waste allowance already included where it applies.
Installed cost, including posts, rails, panels and a gate allowance.
The dollar range is a national average, so treat it as a starting point rather than a bid. Labor rates, permit fees and material delivery differ by region — the state table below shows how your state compares, and construction cost by state breaks the picture down further.
Prefer the longer version? Read our guide to How much does a fence cost to install and How much does a pool fence cost and How much does deck lighting cost.
Cost by material
Each row prices the same default job shown in the calculator above, changing only the material. Use it to see what the upgrade or the cheaper option really costs before you commit.
| Material | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | $4,020 | $7,830 |
| Vinyl privacy | $5,280 | $9,600 |
| Chain-link | $2,800 | $5,880 |
| Aluminum ornamental | $6,110 | $10,965 |
What the same job costs by state
Every row applies that state's construction cost index to the national range calculated above. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery, so it is a planning figure rather than a bid.
| State | Index | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 0.92 | $3,698 | $7,204 |
| Texas | 0.93 | $3,739 | $7,282 |
| North Carolina | 0.94 | $3,779 | $7,360 |
| Georgia | 0.95 | $3,819 | $7,439 |
| Arizona | 1.01 | $4,060 | $7,908 |
| Florida | 1.02 | $4,100 | $7,987 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.03 | $4,141 | $8,065 |
| Illinois | 1.05 | $4,221 | $8,222 |
| Colorado | 1.08 | $4,342 | $8,456 |
| Washington | 1.15 | $4,623 | $9,005 |
| California | 1.32 | $5,306 | $10,336 |
| New York | 1.42 | $5,708 | $11,119 |
Index 1.00 is the national average. See construction cost by state for metro-level figures and the projects homeowners ask about most.
Where to buy materials
Links to suppliers are sponsored: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects an estimate.
- Search The Home Depot“fence panels pressure treated”
- Search Lowe's“fence panels pressure treated”
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Eight feet is standard for wood and vinyl privacy fence, ten feet for chain-link and six feet for heavy ornamental aluminum. Posts are always set below the frost line.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
Yes for wood and metal posts. Dig each hole about three times the post width and one third of the post height deep, fill with fast-setting concrete, then let it cure before hanging rails.
How many posts does a 100 ft fence need?
Posts always outnumber sections. A 100 ft wood or vinyl privacy run at 8 ft spacing has 13 sections and 14 posts, while chain-link at 10 ft spacing has 10 sections and 11 posts. Every corner, end and gate adds another post and footing.
Does removing an old fence cost extra?
Yes. Demolition, haul-away and breaking out the existing concrete footings are normally quoted separately, and pulling footings is often the slowest part of the job. Ask for removal as its own line item so competing bids can be compared like for like.
Does this cost change from state to state?
Yes. Applying each state's construction cost index to the national range of $4,020 to $7,830, the same job runs from about $3,698 to $7,204 in Ohio (index 0.92) to $5,708 to $11,119 in New York (index 1.42).
What is not included in this estimate?
Installed cost, including posts, rails, panels and a gate allowance. The figure is a national planning average for the work described above, not a contractor's quote.
