Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate the 2026 installed cost to build a fence by length, material, height, and region — with a low, typical, and high range.
Measure the full perimeter you want to fence. Not sure on materials? Use our Fence Calculator for posts, rails, and pickets.
Your Estimated Fence Cost
Get free fence installation quotes from local pros
Compare real prices from vetted, licensed fence contractors in your area. Fast, free, and no obligation.
Get My Free Fence Quotes- Measure the length — enter the total linear feet of fence you plan to install around your yard or property line.
- Choose material — chain link is cheapest; wood privacy is the popular standard; vinyl, aluminum, composite, and iron cost more.
- Pick the height — 6 ft is the standard privacy height; 4 ft costs less; 8 ft costs more and may need a permit.
- Select region — leave on National average or pick your region — labor and pricing vary 20–35% across the U.S.
- Get real quotes — a calculator is a planning tool — confirm with itemized written quotes from local installers.
How Much Does a Fence Cost in 2026?
Most homeowners spend about $15 to $45 per linear foot to install a fence, including materials and labor. For a typical residential yard of 100 to 150 linear feet, that works out to roughly $2,500 to $7,000 in 2026. Chain link sits at the low end, wood privacy is the popular mid-range standard, and vinyl, aluminum, composite, and wrought iron run higher.
Three things drive the price: material, height, and total length. Material is the biggest lever — chain link can cost less than half what a composite or iron fence does. Height matters too: a 6-foot privacy fence (the most common) costs noticeably more than a 4-foot fence, and an 8-foot fence more still, because of taller posts, more material, and deeper footings. The calculator above lets you set all three, plus your region.
Treat the result as a planning estimate, not a quote. Gates, permits, old-fence removal, and tricky terrain (slopes or rocky soil) are common extras that an on-site visit will catch — see the add-on table below.
Fence cost by material (6 ft, installed, 2026)
| Material | Per linear foot | 150 ft yard |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link (budget) | $14 – $29 | $2,100 – $4,350 |
| Wood privacy (standard) | $24 – $48 | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| Vinyl | $29 – $58 | $4,350 – $8,700 |
| Aluminum / ornamental | $30 – $60 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Composite | $46 – $91 | $6,900 – $13,700 |
| Wrought iron | $50 – $101 | $7,500 – $15,150 |
Installed costs at 6 ft height, National average region (2026). Northeast and West run ~20–25% higher; Midwest ~10% lower. Composite and iron sit at the top of the range.
How fence height changes the cost
| Height | Cost vs 6 ft | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | ~30% less | Decorative picket, front-yard borders |
| 4 ft | ~20% less | Front yards, pool-area, pet containment |
| 6 ft | Baseline | Standard backyard privacy (most common) |
| 8 ft | ~30% more | Maximum privacy/security — often needs a permit |
Taller fences cost more for materials, longer posts, and deeper footings. Many areas cap residential fence height or require a permit above 6 ft.
Costs the Base Estimate May Not Include
The calculator covers the fence run itself — materials and standard labor. These common extras can raise the final quote:
| Add-on | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Walk gate | $175 – $450 each | Most yards need at least one |
| Drive / double gate | $400 – $3,000 each | Driveway or wide access points |
| Old fence removal | $3 – $5 per ft | Replacing an existing fence |
| Permit | $50 – $400 | Required in many municipalities, esp. over 6 ft |
| Sloped or rocky terrain | +20% – 40% labor | Stepped/racked panels, harder digging |
| Post setting (concrete) | Usually included | Confirm posts are set in concrete, not just tamped |
| General contractor markup | +13% – 22% | If a GC supervises subcontractors on a larger job |
Because labor is roughly 40% of the cost, a sloped or rocky lot can push the real price well above the per-foot average.
Real-world cost examples
| Scenario | Length | Material | Height | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-yard border | 80 ft | Chain link | 4 ft | $850 – $1,700 |
| Typical backyard | 150 ft | Wood privacy | 6 ft | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| Large premium yard | 200 ft | Vinyl | 6 ft | $7,200 – $14,400 |
Each example uses the same model as the calculator above (regions: South, National, West respectively). Real cost depends on gates, terrain, and removal — always confirm with on-site quotes.
Related Calculators
Planning more than a fence? Browse all our home improvement cost calculators for roofing, windows, decks, and remodeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fence a backyard?
A typical backyard of 100 to 150 linear feet costs about $2,500 to $7,000 installed in 2026 for a standard 6-foot wood privacy fence. Chain link comes in lower, while vinyl, aluminum, composite, and wrought iron run higher. Enter your exact length, material, and height above for a tailored range.
How much does it cost to fence one acre?
A square one-acre lot has roughly 835 linear feet of perimeter. At 2026 rates that runs about $8,000 to $17,000 for chain link, $20,000 to $40,000 for wood privacy, or more for vinyl and premium materials. Irregular lots and gates change the total, so measure your actual perimeter.
What is the cheapest type of fence?
Chain link is the most affordable durable residential fence, typically $14 to $29 per linear foot installed at 6 feet. Barbed wire and welded wire are cheaper still but are mainly for agricultural or boundary use. For a budget privacy option, pressure-treated pine is the lowest-cost wood.
How much is a 6-foot privacy fence per foot?
A 6-foot wood privacy fence averages about $24 to $48 per linear foot installed in 2026. Vinyl privacy runs roughly $29 to $58 per foot, and composite higher. The 6-foot height is the standard baseline for privacy fencing in most cost guides.
Does a fence add value to a home?
A well-built fence can add curb appeal and is attractive to buyers with pets or children, though it is primarily a functional and lifestyle upgrade rather than a high-return remodel. Material and condition matter — a quality vinyl or wood privacy fence in good repair adds more perceived value than an aging chain link one.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Often yes, especially for fences over 6 feet tall or on a property line. Permit costs typically range from $50 to $400 and rules vary widely by municipality and HOA. Check with your local building department before starting, and confirm your property line with a survey if there is any doubt.
Is it cheaper to install a fence yourself?
DIY can save a lot on labor — often 40% or more of the total — for straight runs of wood or chain link on flat ground. Vinyl and aluminum systems are less forgiving on post spacing, and sloped or rocky lots are hard work. Many homeowners split it: hire a crew to set posts in concrete, then hang panels themselves.