Free Fence Estimate
Template
A line item fence estimate for linear feet, posts, gates, and tear-out. The Excel version adds it up on its own, then figures tax, total, and a deposit split. Grab the PDF, Excel, or Sheets file below.
No signup required.
Estimate number: 1042.
Subtotal to balance
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What a Fence Estimate Template Actually Does
A fence estimate template turns a walk of the property line into a number the client can sign. The math runs itself, so a solo installer quotes as fast as a crew.
Separates material from labor from extras
Each cost gets its own line, so the client sees what they pay for.
Runs the math for you
Enter quantity and price. The Excel version totals the rest.
Splits a deposit from the balance due
A deposit now, the balance once the fence goes up.
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What Goes Into the Estimate and Why
Ten fields, and why each one changes the number.
How post spacing is actually set on the job
Freedom Outdoor Living, a Barrette Outdoor Living brand, says measure the fence panel width plus the post width. That sets center to center spacing. Hole diameter is 10 inches for a 5 by 5 post and 8 inches for a 4 by 4 post.
Confirm your city rules first. New York City does not require a permit for a one or two family dwelling fence of 6 feet or less. It caps residential district fences at 6 feet, with a 4 foot cap in front yards.
So check your local fence permit page before you fill in the permit line.
How to Fill Out a Fence Estimate in 5 Steps
Fill in the job header first
Address, client, fence type, height, and post spacing.
Enter quantity and price for each line
Linear feet, posts, gates, tear-out feet, each with your price per unit.
Add the permit fee if the job needs one
Check the local fence permit page, then enter the flat fee.
Set the tax rate and deposit rate
Subtotal, tax, total, deposit, and balance all follow.
Sign it, then file it
Both sign. Then file it.
What Each Line Item Covers, by Fence Type
Every fence type uses the same five line items.
| Line item | Wood privacy | Vinyl privacy | Chain link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material and installation | Per foot, panels and pickets | Panel kit, per foot | Mesh and rail, per foot. |
| Posts | Wood, in concrete | Vinyl or metal-core, in concrete | Steel, in concrete. |
| Gates | Wood frame, hardware | Vinyl frame, hardware | Steel frame, hardware. |
| Tear-out of old fence | If replacing | If replacing | Only if replacing. |
| Permit fee | Check local rule | Check local rule | Check local rule |
Source: SimplyWise editorial build, October 2026.
Worked Example: A 150-Foot Wood Privacy Fence
An installer walks a 150 foot property line. The client is replacing an old chain link fence with a 6 foot wood privacy fence and one walk gate.
Linear feet goes in first: 150. Posts, gates, and tear-out each get a quantity. Then each line gets a price per unit.
The sheet adds a subtotal and applies the tax rate. A deposit rate then splits the total into a deposit and a balance due.
The Excel file also has a labeled SAMPLE block that runs this math with example numbers.
Bidding now? SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds →
What Is Actually in the Files Above
Job header block
Address, client, date, estimate number, fence type, height, spacing, gates, tear-out, permit.
Five line items
Material and installation, posts, gates, tear-out, and permit, each with quantity and price per unit.
Live formulas in the Excel version
Subtotal, tax, total, deposit, and balance calculate once prices are in.
A labeled SAMPLE block
Example numbers marked SAMPLE. Never a market price.
Signature and date lines
A contractor line and a client line, so the estimate becomes a signed job.
No card or payment fields
An estimate, not a payment form.
Skip the typing? Send a professional quote with SimplyWise Cost Estimator →
Free Template vs. Running It in the App
The free template
Fill in your prices, print it, or send the PDF. No cost, no account.
SimplyWise Cost Estimator
Turn a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try, then $29.99/mo or $239.99/yr, with a 7-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Building the estimate right
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Sources for the guidance on this page
The post spacing method and hole diameters come from Freedom Outdoor Living, a Barrette Outdoor Living brand. The New York City figures come from the NYC Department of Buildings. Local rules vary.
Ready to quote the next fence job?
SimplyWise turns a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try, then $29.99/mo or $239.99/yr.