Fence Cost Estimator

Price a fence job with your own rates: material and labor per linear foot, gates, old-fence removal, markup and tax, plus cost per foot.

Used only to count posts. 6–8 ft is typical for wood fences.
$per linear ft
Example rate — enter your own.
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$per linear ft
Example rate — enter your own. BLS reports a May 2025 median wage of $29.12/h for carpenters and $22.44/h for construction laborers.
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$each
Example rate — enter your own.
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$per linear ft
Leave at 0 if not needed.
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%
Added to direct costs (materials + labor + fees) to cover overhead and profit. Example rate — enter your own.
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%
Your combined state + local rate. Example rate — enter your own.
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Whether labor and services are taxable depends on your state. Check with your state revenue department.
Estimated TOTAL
$6,827.50
Line posts (straight run, incl. both ends)
20 posts
Add posts for corners and gate openings.
Fence material
$3,000.00
Gates (1)
$250.00
Installation labor
$2,250.00
Old fence removal
$0.00
Direct cost (before markup)
$5,500.00
Overhead & profit (20%)
$1,100.00
Subtotal
$6,600.00
Sales tax (7% on materials at cost)
$227.50
Cost per linear ft
$45.52
Cost per linear m
$149.33

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/fence-cost-estimator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

Fences are priced per linear foot of run, with gates priced separately because they need extra posts, hardware and labor.

Direct cost = length × (material + labor + removal) + gates × gate price TOTAL = direct cost × (1 + markup%) + tax Posts = ⌈ length ÷ spacing ⌉ + 1

Example (default example rates): 150 ft of fence: material 150 × $20 = $3,000; labor 150 × $15 = $2,250; 1 gate $250. Direct cost $5,500; +20% = $6,600; 7% tax on materials ($3,250) = $227.50. TOTAL = $6,827.50 (≈ $45.52 per ft). Posts at 8 ft spacing: ⌈150 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 = 20.

This is a planning estimate only. It does not include anything not entered above, such as permits, inspections, engineering, site preparation, demolition or disposal (unless entered), access or equipment problems, regional surcharges, contingency or price changes. Get written quotes before committing. For fencing that includes surveys to confirm the property line, utility locates (call 811 before digging), rock or root removal, slopes, HOA approval and stain or sealer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure fence length?

Walk the fence line and add up each straight run in feet, including the width of gate openings. Gates are priced on their own, so don’t subtract them unless your material price excludes the gate opening.

What goes in the material price per foot?

Divide the total cost of posts, rails, pickets or panels, fasteners and post concrete for a typical section by its length. A 6 ft wood privacy section with 8 ft post spacing is a good way to set your number.

Do I need to call before digging post holes?

Yes. In the U.S., call 811 a few days before digging so buried utility lines can be marked. It is free.

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Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

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