Chain Link Fence Calculator
Calculate chain link fence materials — posts, top rail, fabric, and hardware. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Line Posts = ceil(Fence Run / 10) - 1; Terminal Posts = Ends + Corners + Gate Posts
Line posts are spaced every 10 feet along straight runs. Terminal posts are placed at all end points, corners, and gate openings (2 per gate). Fabric is sold in 50-foot rolls. Top rail comes in 21-foot sections. Tension hardware counts are based on terminal post count.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Residential Backyard Fence
Problem: Calculate materials for a 150-foot perimeter, 4-foot high chain link fence with 4 corners and one 4-foot gate.
Solution: Fence run = 150 - (1 x 4) = 146 feet\nLine posts = ceil(146/10) - 1 = 14\nTerminal posts = 2 (ends) + 4 (corners) + 2 (gate) = 8\nTotal posts = 22\nTop rail = ceil(146/21) = 7 sections\nFabric = ceil(146/50) = 3 rolls\nConcrete bags = 22 x 2 = 44
Result: 22 posts | 7 top rail sections | 3 fabric rolls | 44 concrete bags
Example 2: Commercial Property Perimeter
Problem: A 400-foot commercial property needs a 6-foot chain link fence with 8 corners and two 12-foot double gates.
Solution: Fence run = 400 - (2 x 12) = 376 feet\nLine posts = ceil(376/10) - 1 = 37\nTerminal posts = 2 + 8 + 4 = 14\nTotal posts = 51\nTop rail = ceil(376/21) = 18 sections\nFabric rolls = ceil(376/50) = 8 (6-foot height)\nConcrete = 51 x 2 = 102 bags
Result: 51 posts | 18 rail sections | 8 fabric rolls | 102 concrete bags
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the number of posts for a chain link fence?
Chain link fence posts are divided into two categories: line posts and terminal posts. Line posts are spaced every 10 feet along straight runs. Terminal posts are heavier-duty posts used at ends, corners, and gate openings. To calculate line posts, divide the total fence run by 10 and subtract 1 (terminal posts cover the ends). For terminal posts, count 2 end posts plus the number of corners plus 2 posts per gate opening. For a 150-foot fence with 4 corners and 1 gate, you need about 13 line posts and 10 terminal posts for a total of 23 posts.
What height chain link fence should I install?
The most common residential chain link fence heights are 36 inches (3 feet), 42 inches (3.5 feet), 48 inches (4 feet), and 60 inches (5 feet). For basic property boundary marking, 36 to 42 inches is sufficient. For pet containment, 48 inches works for most dogs, but large or athletic breeds may require 60 or 72 inches. For security purposes, 72 inches (6 feet) with barbed wire or privacy slats is standard for commercial properties. Many municipalities have height restrictions, typically limiting front yard fences to 4 feet and side and rear fences to 6 feet. Check local zoning codes before deciding on height.
How much does chain link fence cost per foot?
Chain link fence material costs range from 5 to 15 dollars per linear foot depending on height and gauge. A standard 4-foot residential fence with galvanized fabric costs about 7 to 10 dollars per foot for materials only. Professional installation adds 5 to 15 dollars per foot for labor, bringing the total to 12 to 25 dollars per installed foot. Vinyl-coated chain link costs 15 to 20 percent more than galvanized. Taller fences cost proportionally more due to increased fabric, longer posts, and more hardware. Gate assemblies add 75 to 300 dollars each depending on width and whether they are pedestrian or vehicle gates.
What gauge chain link fabric should I use?
Chain link fabric comes in several gauges, with lower numbers being thicker and stronger. The most common gauges are 11.5 gauge for heavy residential and commercial use, 11 gauge for security fencing, 12.5 gauge for standard residential, and 14 gauge for temporary or light-duty applications. For most residential fencing, 11.5 gauge provides a good balance of durability and cost. The gauge affects both the strength and the lifespan of the fence. Commercial and security installations should use 9 or 11 gauge for maximum strength. The diamond mesh size is typically 2 inches for standard residential and 1 inch for high-security applications.
How deep should chain link fence posts be set?
Chain link fence posts should be set in concrete at a depth equal to one-third of the total post length, with a minimum of 24 inches for most residential fences. For a 4-foot fence, line posts are typically 7.5 feet long with 3 feet in the ground. Terminal posts need slightly deeper embedment for added stability because they resist the pull of the stretched fabric. The concrete footing should be 8 to 10 inches in diameter for line posts and 10 to 12 inches for terminal posts. In areas with frost, footings must extend below the frost line to prevent heaving. Each post typically requires 1 to 2 sixty-pound bags of premixed concrete.
How is chain link fabric attached and tensioned?
Chain link fabric is attached to terminal posts using tension bars and tension bands, and to line posts using aluminum tie wires. Start by unrolling the fabric along the outside of the posts. Thread a tension bar through the end diamonds of the fabric, then bolt the tension bar to the terminal post using tension bands spaced evenly along the post height. Use a fence stretcher tool (also called a come-along) anchored to the far terminal post to pull the fabric taut before securing the other end. The fabric should be tight enough to resist deflection but not so tight that it distorts the diamond pattern. Tie wires are then wrapped around line posts and through the fabric every 12 to 15 inches.