Planning a fence project? You need accurate material estimates. We tested 7 fence calculators to find the best options for 2025.
Quick Answer: TheSiteMath Fencing Calculator offers the most complete free option. For contractors, Fence Estimator Pro and SoftPlan provide advanced features.
Best Fence Calculators 2025: Quick Comparison
| Calculator | Best For | Price | Fence Types | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TheSiteMath | Free all-in-one | Free | 6 types | ✅ Yes |
| Lowe’s Calculator | Shoppers | Free | 3 types | ⚠️ Lowe’s prices |
| Home Depot | Shoppers | Free | 3 types | ⚠️ HD prices |
| FenceMap | Contractors | $99/mo | All types | ✅ Yes |
| SoftPlan | Professionals | $2,495 | All types | ✅ Yes |
| Calculator.net | Basic math | Free | 1 type | ❌ No |
| Fence Supply Co | Chain-link | Free | 1 type | ✅ Yes |
Free Fence Calculators
1. TheSiteMath Fencing Calculator - Best Free Option
Price: Free | Platform: Web (mobile-friendly)
TheSiteMath provides the most comprehensive free fence calculator available.
Fence Types Supported:
- Wood privacy fence
- Wood picket fence
- Chain-link fence
- Vinyl fence
- Aluminum fence
- Wrought iron fence
What It Calculates:
- Posts (line and corner)
- Rails (top, middle, bottom)
- Pickets or panels
- Concrete for posts
- Gate hardware
- Total material cost
- Labor estimates
Pros
- 100% free, no signup
- All major fence types
- Includes gate calculations
- 2025 pricing included
- Mobile-friendly for job sites
- Customizable post spacing
Cons
- Web-based (needs internet)
- No 3D visualization
- No property mapping
Who Should Use It?
DIYers planning their first fence. Contractors who need quick estimates. Anyone wanting accurate material lists without paying.
Try it: Free Fencing Calculator
2. Lowe’s Fence Calculator
Price: Free | Platform: Web
Lowe’s offers a basic fence calculator tied to their product inventory.
Fence Types: Wood, vinyl, chain-link
Pros
- Shows Lowe’s product prices
- Links directly to products
- In-store availability
Cons
- Limited to Lowe’s inventory
- Basic calculations only
- Pushes toward purchase
- No labor estimates
Who Should Use It?
Shoppers already planning to buy at Lowe’s who want quick material lists.
3. Home Depot Fence Calculator
Price: Free | Platform: Web
Home Depot’s calculator works similarly to Lowe’s.
Fence Types: Wood, vinyl, chain-link
Pros
- Shows Home Depot prices
- Easy to use
- Product links included
Cons
- Limited to HD products
- Basic features only
- No professional estimates
Who Should Use It?
Home Depot shoppers planning smaller fence projects.
4. Calculator.net Fence Calculator
Price: Free | Platform: Web
Calculator.net offers a basic fence material calculator.
Pros
- Simple interface
- Quick calculations
- No account needed
Cons
- Wood fence only
- No cost estimates
- Very basic features
- Outdated interface
Who Should Use It?
Users who just need a quick post and picket count for wood fences.
5. Fence Supply Co Calculator
Price: Free | Platform: Web
Specialized calculator for chain-link fence materials.
Pros
- Detailed chain-link calculations
- Includes fittings and hardware
- Good for commercial fencing
Cons
- Chain-link only
- Oriented toward wholesale
- Limited residential options
Who Should Use It?
Commercial fence contractors working primarily with chain-link.
Paid Fence Estimating Software
6. FenceMap
Price: $99/month | Platform: Web + Mobile
FenceMap combines satellite imagery with fence estimating for contractors.
Pros
- Satellite property views
- Draw fence lines on map
- Accurate measurements
- Proposal generation
- Customer management
Cons
- Monthly subscription
- Learning curve
- Overkill for small projects
Who Should Use It?
Fence contractors doing 5+ installations per month. The time savings justify the cost.
7. SoftPlan
Price: $2,495 one-time | Platform: Windows
SoftPlan is professional design software that includes fence planning.
Pros
- Full 3D design
- Accurate takeoffs
- Professional presentations
- CAD integration
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost
- Steep learning curve
- More than just fencing
- Windows only
Who Should Use It?
Design-build contractors who need complete property plans including fences.
How to Choose the Right Fence Calculator
By Project Size
| Project | Best Calculator | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 linear feet | TheSiteMath | Free, quick, accurate |
| 100-500 linear feet | TheSiteMath | Complete material list |
| 500+ linear feet | FenceMap | Satellite mapping saves time |
| Commercial | FenceMap or SoftPlan | Professional proposals |
By Fence Type
| Fence Type | Best Calculator |
|---|---|
| Wood privacy | TheSiteMath |
| Wood picket | TheSiteMath |
| Vinyl | TheSiteMath |
| Chain-link (residential) | TheSiteMath |
| Chain-link (commercial) | Fence Supply Co |
| Aluminum/Iron | TheSiteMath |
By User Type
| User | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| DIY homeowner | TheSiteMath (free) |
| Handyman | TheSiteMath (free) |
| Fence contractor | FenceMap ($99/mo) |
| Design-build firm | SoftPlan ($2,495) |
Fence Material Quick Reference
Post Spacing Guidelines
| Fence Type | Recommended Spacing |
|---|---|
| Wood privacy | 6-8 feet |
| Wood picket | 6-8 feet |
| Vinyl | 6-8 feet |
| Chain-link | 8-10 feet |
| Aluminum | 6-8 feet |
Materials Per 100 Linear Feet
| Fence Type | Posts | Rails | Pickets/Panels | Concrete Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6’ Wood Privacy | 14 | 42 | 200 | 28 |
| 4’ Wood Picket | 14 | 28 | 150 | 28 |
| 6’ Vinyl | 14 | 42 | 14 panels | 28 |
| 6’ Chain-link | 12 | 2 rolls | 100’ fabric | 24 |
2025 Fence Cost Per Linear Foot
| Fence Type | Materials Only | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (6’) | $8-15 | $20-35 |
| Wood picket (4’) | $5-10 | $15-25 |
| Vinyl (6’) | $15-25 | $25-40 |
| Chain-link (6’) | $8-12 | $15-25 |
| Aluminum (4’) | $20-35 | $35-55 |
| Wrought iron (4’) | $30-50 | $50-75 |
Common Fence Calculation Mistakes
1. Forgetting Corner Posts
Corner posts need extra support. Count each corner as needing a heavier post (4x6 vs 4x4).
2. Underestimating Gate Materials
Gates need:
- Stronger posts (4x6 minimum)
- Extra hardware ($30-100)
- More concrete per post
3. Ignoring Grade Changes
Sloped yards need:
- Shorter pickets at top of slope
- Stepped panels for vinyl
- More posts for stability
4. Wrong Post Depth
Post depth should equal 1/3 of total post length. For a 6’ fence with 8’ posts, bury 2+ feet.
5. Forgetting Waste Factor
Add 10% for:
- Cutting waste
- Damaged materials
- Future repairs
DIY vs. Professional Installation
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per linear foot | $8-25 (materials) | $20-55 (installed) |
| Time (100 ft fence) | 2-4 days | 1 day |
| Tools needed | $200-500 | Included |
| Quality | Varies | Guaranteed |
| Permit handling | Your responsibility | Often included |
When to DIY
- Simple wood picket fence
- Flat, clear property
- No underground utilities
- You have time and basic tools
When to Hire a Pro
- Vinyl or aluminum fence
- Sloped or rocky terrain
- Near property lines (survey needed)
- Tight deadline
Our Recommendation
For DIY projects: Use TheSiteMath’s free fencing calculator. It covers all fence types with accurate material lists and 2025 pricing.
For fence contractors: Start with TheSiteMath for quick estimates. Invest in FenceMap ($99/mo) when doing 5+ jobs monthly.
For shopping trips: Use Lowe’s or Home Depot calculators if you’re buying there anyway. They link directly to products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much fencing I need?
Measure your total fence line in linear feet. Add gate widths. Use a fence calculator to determine posts (every 6-8 feet), rails (2-3 per section), and pickets (about 2 per linear foot for privacy fencing).
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
With 8-foot spacing: 100 ÷ 8 + 1 = 14 posts. Add extra for corners and gates. A 100-foot fence with 2 corners and 1 gate needs approximately 17 posts.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain-link is typically cheapest at $15-25 per linear foot installed. Wood picket fences are next at $15-25. Privacy fences cost $20-35 per foot.
How much concrete do I need for fence posts?
Each post needs 1-2 bags of 80-lb concrete. A 100-foot fence with 14 posts needs approximately 28 bags minimum.
Should I use 4x4 or 6x6 fence posts?
Use 4x4 posts for most line posts. Use 4x6 or 6x6 for corner posts, gate posts, and end posts. These need extra strength to resist pulling forces.
Summary
The best fence calculator depends on your needs. For most homeowners and contractors, TheSiteMath provides everything you need: all fence types, accurate materials, and 2025 cost estimates—completely free.
Start here: Try our free fencing calculator to get your material list now.