Trump’s Wall Cost Calculator
Estimate construction costs, materials, and explore alternative uses for the funds
Wall Specifications
Estimated Total Cost
Based on current parameters
215
Elementary Schools
4.3M
School Meals
43
Community Hospitals
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost | Percentage |
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How This Calculator Works
This calculator estimates the total cost of constructing a border wall based on several key parameters:
Construction Costs
We calculate material requirements based on wall dimensions and construction type. The default assumes precast T-panels, which were the primary design considered for the border wall.
Transportation
Materials need to be transported to the construction site. We estimate transportation costs based on distance and the volume of materials.
Labor & Assembly
This includes the cost of assembling the wall components, which varies by construction type.
Security Personnel
A border wall requires monitoring and maintenance personnel. We estimate these costs over the project’s lifetime.
Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is calculated as a percentage of construction costs annually.
Sources & References
Our calculations are based on the following sources:
- U.S. Government Accountability Office reports on border wall costs
- Department of Homeland Security budget estimates
- Construction industry cost databases
- Academic studies on infrastructure projects
- News investigations into border wall spending
All default values can be adjusted to reflect different assumptions or updated cost data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What assumptions does the calculator use?
Defaults include precast T-panels, 1.8% rebar fraction, $350/yd³ concrete, 150 miles average transport and 25-year lifetime. All defaults are editable.
Can I change the currency or units?
Yes — switch between metric and imperial units using the toggle above. Currency conversions are not currently implemented but may be added in future versions.
How accurate are these estimates?
These are estimates based on publicly available data. Actual costs may vary based on terrain, logistics, regulatory requirements, and market conditions.
What’s included in the total cost?
The total includes materials, transportation, assembly, security personnel over the project lifetime, and ongoing maintenance.
About This Calculator
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