Planning a perimeter for your property requires precision to avoid over-ordering materials or running short mid-installation. Our Aluminum Fence Calculator helps you determine exactly how many panels, posts, and concrete bags you need based on your property's dimensions.
Measuring Your Property
Before using the calculator, walk your proposed fence line with a measuring tape. Mark every corner and end point. The total distance in linear feet is your primary input. Remember to subtract the width of any gates you plan to install from the total footage of panels, though our calculator handles that logic for you if you input the gate dimensions separately.
Understanding the Components
Panels: These are the pre-assembled sections of the fence. Standard aluminum panels usually come in 6-foot or 8-foot lengths.
Posts: You will need a post between every panel, plus one additional post for the end of the run, and specific posts for gate hinges and latches.
Concrete: For a sturdy aluminum fence, each post should be set in concrete. Typically, 1 to 1.5 bags of 80lb concrete per post is recommended for standard frost lines.
Typical Project Example
Imagine you have a backyard requiring 100 linear feet of fencing. You choose 6-foot panels and want one 4-foot gate.
Total distance: 100 feet.
Net fencing distance: 96 feet (100 – 4).
Panels: 16 panels (96 / 6).
Posts: Approximately 18 posts (to account for the run and the gate).
Factors Affecting Aluminum Fence Cost
Aluminum fencing is valued for its durability and lack of maintenance compared to wood or wrought iron. However, costs can vary based on:
Grade: Residential grade is thinner and more affordable, while commercial or industrial grade is thicker and more expensive.
Top Style: Spear top, flat top, or staggered spear designs impact the price per panel.
Terrain: Sloped yards require "racked" or "stepped" installation, which may increase labor costs.
function calculateFence() {
var totalFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalFeet').value);
var panelWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('panelWidth').value);
var gateCount = parseInt(document.getElementById('gateCount').value) || 0;
var gateWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gateWidth').value) || 0;
var costPerFoot = parseFloat(document.getElementById('costPerFoot').value) || 0;
var laborPerFoot = parseFloat(document.getElementById('laborPerFoot').value) || 0;
if (isNaN(totalFeet) || totalFeet <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid total linear footage.");
return;
}
// Calculation Logic
var totalGateFootage = gateCount * gateWidth;
var actualFenceFootage = totalFeet – totalGateFootage;
if (actualFenceFootage < 0) {
alert("Gate width cannot exceed total linear footage.");
return;
}
// Number of panels (round up)
var numPanels = Math.ceil(actualFenceFootage / panelWidth);
// Number of posts
// Basic logic: panels + 1 (end post) + gate posts (2 per gate, but they replace panel posts often)
// Professional rule of thumb for residential: Panels + 1 + (Number of gates)
var numPosts = numPanels + 1 + gateCount;
// Concrete: 1.5 bags per post avg
var concreteBags = Math.ceil(numPosts * 1.5);
// Costs
var materialTotal = totalFeet * costPerFoot;
var laborTotal = totalFeet * laborPerFoot;
var projectTotal = materialTotal + laborTotal;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resPanels').innerHTML = numPanels;
document.getElementById('resPosts').innerHTML = numPosts;
document.getElementById('resConcrete').innerHTML = concreteBags;
document.getElementById('resMatCost').innerHTML = "$" + materialTotal.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resLaborCost').innerHTML = "$" + laborTotal.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerHTML = "$" + projectTotal.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('results').style.display = 'block';
}