Chain Link Fence Cost Calculator
Chain link fence installation costs about $5–$20 per linear foot in 2026 — roughly $1,000–$4,000 for 200 linear feet. Enter your fence length, height, and options below for a low-to-high installed estimate.
3 ft: $5–$10/ft · 4 ft: $8–$15/ft · 5 ft: $10–$18/ft · 6 ft: $12–$20/ft
Preset yards assume a square lot — perimeter ≈ 4 × √area. A ¼-acre lot needs about 417 ft of fence.
Estimates only — not contractor quotes. Chain link fence installation costs vary by region, terrain, and labor rates. Get 2–3 local quotes before committing.
How the chain link fence cost calculator works
Chain link fence is priced by the linear foot installed, and height is the biggest lever on that rate: a 3-foot garden fence runs about $5–$10 per foot, while a 6-foot security fence runs $12–$20. Wire gauge matters too — 9-gauge is the standard residential wire, and lower gauge numbers mean thicker, stronger wire.
What moves your number: total linear footage, fence height, terrain (sloped or rocky ground adds labor), gates (walk gates $150–$300 each, double drive gates $300–$600), vinyl coating (+$2–$4/ft, roughly doubles rust resistance), and privacy slats (+$1–$3/ft). Most pros include post-setting in concrete and a top rail in the per-foot rate.
total = (length × $/ft) + gates + coating + slats · ¼ acre ≈ 417 ft of fence
Keep exploring
Planning the layout? The Fence Post Spacing Calculator figures post count and spacing for your run. Comparing materials? See how chain link stacks up against the Privacy Fence Cost Calculator.
Chain link fence cost calculator FAQ
How much does a chain link fence cost per foot?
About $5–$20 per linear foot installed in 2026. Materials alone run roughly $3–$10/ft depending on height and gauge; professional labor adds another $4–$8/ft.
How much does it cost to install 200 feet of chain link fence?
Roughly $1,000–$4,000 installed for 200 linear feet at the standard 4-foot height. A 6-foot fence on the same run costs about $2,400–$4,000 before gates.
How long does a chain link fence last?
Galvanized chain link lasts 15–20 years; vinyl-coated wire stretches that to 20–25 years with almost no maintenance beyond an occasional rinse.
What is the cheapest type of fence to install?
Chain link is among the cheapest installed fences — typically about half the per-foot cost of a wood privacy fence, and far less than vinyl or ornamental metal.
Can I install a chain link fence myself?
DIY kits cut 40–60% off the labor cost, but posts must be set in concrete below the frost line and the mesh tensioned correctly. Most homeowners hire a pro for runs over 100 feet.
Do I need a permit for a chain link fence?
Many cities require a permit for fences over 4–6 feet tall or in front yards, and HOAs often restrict height and placement. Check local zoning before you build.
Does a chain link fence need maintenance?
Very little: rinse off dirt a few times a year, touch up rust spots on galvanized wire with cold-galvanizing spray, and keep plants from growing through the mesh.