Fence calculator & cost estimator

How to measure for the fence calculator

Draw the fence route before measuring. Mark each corner, each end and every gate opening. Enter adjoining sides separately so the calculator can share corner posts. Include openings in each side's length; enter the gate count as well so the tool can deduct their width from the material runs. Do not deduct the opening yourself and enter it again.

Measure along the proposed line. A lot-size label does not tell you how much fence you need, and an existing wall or fence may form part of the enclosure. For a panel system, use the manufacturer's layout spacing instead of assuming that its visible panel width equals the post-center distance.

Leave the closed-loop setting off when the fence ends at a house or another boundary. Use it only when the sides connect all the way around and the last side shares a corner with the first. The layout sketch helps check post types, but it is not a survey or an installation drawing. Uneven gate positions need a measured post layout before ordering.

Worked example: a wood privacy run

Choose an illustrative 100 ft straight run, 6 ft high, without gates, and 8 ft maximum post spacing. The estimate gives 13 bays and 14 posts. Equal bays are about 7.69 ft long, so none needs to exceed the maximum spacing.

With the tool's side-by-side privacy-board assumption, the result is 244 pickets and 43 rail pieces. Pickets round up within each bay, not across the entire side. The list excludes spare boards, fasteners, caps and gate components. Confirm the board width and the required framing before placing a material order.

The same length gives a materials planning range of $700–$1,700 and an installed range of $1,700–$3,700. Both come from the wood privacy rates, not from multiplying the board count by a guessed board price. Removal, permits, tax, delivery and finishing remain separate.

Example prices: Fixr wood privacy rates · 2026-10-24. Dimensions are example inputs. The Lowe's wood fence guide describes the board width and spacing reference; this example uses a single, side-by-side privacy face, not its shadowbox pattern. Footing assumptions are explained below.

How to use the fence cost estimate

Compare the material-only result with a supplier order, or the installed result with a contractor's proposal. The installed rate already includes labor. Do not add the labor table to it again. The estimator prices the full entered length, including openings, then adds matching sourced gate charges where available. Read the price note to see which gate costs still need a separate quote.

The material quantity list and the dollar estimate serve different tasks. Changing post spacing can change the number of posts or panels, while the per-foot budget stays the same. Height and style also do not select a new rate. Use the material guides to check what the saved sources actually cover, then give a local installer the height and product specification you want priced.

Check these details before ordering

• Use actual board width for wood; nominal lumber names are not face dimensions.
• Check panel widths and post connections with the selected vinyl or aluminum system.
• For chain link, price terminal hardware as well as fabric, posts and rail.
• Check gate supports, hardware and infill separately from the fence-run quantities.
• Allow for cuts or damaged pieces based on the order and supplier guidance; no waste percentage is added here.

When the estimate needs a separate layout

Board-on-board wood, horizontal infill, mixed panel systems and unusual gate positions need their own takeoff. Sloped ground can change panel transitions and post lengths. The equal-bay model cannot establish those details or approve a pool barrier, retaining structure or footing design. Use the result as a starting list for the supplier or installer.

Before digging, use the utility-locate service and follow your state's waiting and response instructions. Confirm your boundary and local requirements separately; the diagram cannot locate either.