What this assumes
Estimates posts (one roughly every 8 feet, plus an end post), concrete bags per post, and material cost from an editable per-linear-foot rate by material plus a per-gate cost. For a professional install it adds a labour range. Figures are representative US/Canada costs that vary widely by region, supplier and season.
This is an estimate to help you plan, not financial, tax or legal advice.
What actually drives the cost
Three things move a fence quote more than anything else: how long the run is, what material you choose, and whether you install it yourself. This calculator breaks the job into the parts that matter — posts, concrete, panels and labour — rather than giving you one vague per-foot figure.
Posts, panels and concrete
Most fences use a post roughly every 8 feet, with an extra post to finish the run, and each post is set in concrete — typically a couple of bags apiece. Getting the post count right matters because posts and their concrete are a real chunk of the cost, and they’re the part DIYers most often under-order. The calculator works these out for you from the length.
Material makes the biggest difference
Per linear foot, cost climbs from chain-link (cheapest) through wood to vinyl and aluminium. Wood is the popular middle ground: affordable and easy to repair, but it needs maintenance. Vinyl and aluminium cost more upfront but ask very little of you afterwards. Pick the material first — it sets the budget more than anything else.
DIY versus installed
Choose DIY and the estimate shows materials only, plus a cost per linear foot. Choose professional and it adds a labour range, because installed quotes vary a lot between contractors and regions. Labour can comfortably match or exceed the materials, so it’s worth knowing both numbers before you decide who’s digging the holes.
Don’t forget the basics
Two things people skip and regret: confirm the property line, and check whether a permit is needed for your height and area. Both are far cheaper to sort before you build. If you’re setting posts in concrete, the concrete & gravel calculator works out exactly how much you’ll need.
Planning estimate only. Material and labour costs vary widely by region, supplier and season — always get local quotes before committing.