Chain link fence calculator
Length, height, post spacing and number of ends: you get fabric rolls, line and terminal posts, brace rails, tension wire and tensioners.
Purchase quantity
98.425 ft
Net measurement: 98.425 ft · Waste 5 %
- Chain link fabric2 roll
- Line posts9 post
- End or corner posts2 post
- Brace rails4 unit
- Tension wire310.039 ft
- Tensioners6 unit
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How it's calculated (visible formula)
posts = ceil(length ÷ spacing) + 1; rolls = ceil(length × (1 + waste) ÷ roll length); wire = strands × length
- Net geometric measurement, no waste.
- Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
- Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).
How to calculate it, step by step
- Measure total length and count ends, corners and gates.
- Pick fabric height and post spacing (about 10 ft).
- Work out line posts and terminal posts with braces.
- Work out fabric rolls with a little waste.
- Add tension wire (2 or 3 strands) and tensioners.
Worked example: 100 ft × 5 ft, posts every 10 ft, 2 ends
- 100 ÷ 10 = 10 + 1 = 11 posts: 9 line + 2 terminal
- Fabric 105 ft → 3 rolls of 50 ft (2 of 25 m)
- 3 strands × 100 ft of wire
→ Fabric rolls, 11 posts, 4 braces and 6 tensioners.
Common mistakes
- Skipping braces at ends and corners.
- Stretching fabric before the post concrete has cured.
- Leaving out a middle wire on fences over 4 ft.
Pro tips
- Set terminal posts first and let concrete cure before stretching.
- Stretch the fabric from one end with a tension bar and come-along.
- Tie fabric to the top rail or wire every 12–24 in.
- Bury 8 in of fabric or add a bottom rail where dogs dig.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- How long is a roll of chain link?
- 50 ft in the US; 25 m in Europe.
- How far apart are chain link posts?
- Up to 10 ft on center; closer on slopes.
- Top rail or tension wire?
- A top rail is stiffer; tension wire is cheaper. Bottom tension wire stops the mesh from lifting.
- What gauge chain link?
- 11½ ga residential; 9 ga for commercial or security.
- Galvanized or vinyl-coated?
- Vinyl-coated lasts longer and blends in better.
- How wide are chain link gates?
- Walk gates about 4 ft; drive gates 10–12 ft, often double.
Sources and standards
Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.