Chain Link Fence Calculator
Figure out how many rolls of chain link fabric and how many line posts you need before you head to the fence supplier. Enter your run length or yard dimensions and this calculator handles the roll math and post spacing for you.
Covers curves, corners and offcuts. 5–15% is normal.
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Ordering tips
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Coverage & waste
Material profile
Chain link material takes two separate counts. First, take your total fence run length, add a waste percentage for cutting and overlap at roll ends, then divide by the roll length (usually 50 ft) to get fabric rolls, rounding up to a whole roll. Second, divide the same run length by your line post spacing (commonly 8-10 ft) and add one to get line post count, since a run of posts always has one more post than the number of gaps between them.
Chain Link Post Spacing & Line Post Sizing
Post size and spacing depend on fence height and how much wind/impact load the fence needs to resist. Terminal posts (corners, ends, gates) are always heavier gauge than line posts and are not counted by the spacing formula.
| Fence Height | Line Post Size | Max Line Post Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 1-5/8 in OD | 10 ft |
| 5 ft | 1-5/8 in OD | 10 ft |
| 6 ft | 2 in OD | 8-10 ft |
| 6 ft (security/kennel) | 2-3/8 in OD | 8 ft |
How to calculate chain link fence materials
- Measure the total run length of fence, or enter a rectangle’s length and width for the perimeter.
- Add waste a small percentage (2-5%) to cover cutting and overlap where rolls join.
- Divide by roll length usually 50 ft rolls, and round up to a whole roll since partial rolls aren’t sold.
- Divide by post spacing 8-10 ft depending on fence height, then add one post for the end of the run.
- Price it out multiply roll count by roll price and post count by post price, then add them together.
Worked example
Here’s the math for a straight 200 ft run of 5 ft chain link fence with 10 ft line post spacing and 3% waste.
- Fence run length200 ft
- Waste added (3%)206 ft total
- Fabric selected5 ft fabric, 50 ft rolls
- Rolls needed5 rolls
- Line post spacing10 ft on-center
- Line posts needed21 posts
- Fabric cost (5 x $95)$475
- Post cost (21 x $32)$672
- Total estimated cost$1,147
Don’t Forget Terminal Posts
This calculator counts line posts, the posts that run in a straight line and just hold fabric up. It does not add terminal posts, which are the heavier-gauge posts required at every corner, end, and gate opening. Budget one corner post per direction change, one end post per fence terminus, and two gate posts per gate, on top of the line post count above. You’ll also need top rail (usually sold in 10.5 ft sections), rail end/loop caps, tension bands, and tension wire along the bottom – none of which are optional on a fence that needs to actually stay taut.
Common mistakes
- Skipping terminal postscorners, ends, and gates need heavier posts that this fabric/line-post calculation doesn’t include.
- Wrong fabric gauge9-gauge fabric holds up to pets and impact far better than lightweight 11.5-gauge for the same height.
- Ignoring gate widthgate openings need their own posts and hardware and should be subtracted from continuous fence run.
- Rounding down on rollsfence fabric isn’t sold in partial rolls, so always round the roll count up, never down.
What this calculator assumes
Adjust your result if your project differs from these.
- Line posts are evenly spaced along the run, with one extra post added for the end of the line.
- Roll count is rounded up to the nearest whole roll since partial rolls aren’t sold.
- Corner, end, and gate posts are not included and must be added separately.
- Top rail, tension wire, and hardware are priced separately from this fabric/post estimate.
- Ground is relatively level; add extra footing depth or posts for slopes or uneven grade.
Common questions
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Line posts typically go 8-10 ft apart on-center. 10 ft is standard for 4-5 ft residential fence; drop to 8 ft for 6 ft fence or areas with high wind load.
Do I need extra posts for corners and gates?
Yes. This calculator only counts line posts along straight runs. Add one heavier terminal post for every corner, end, and gate post beyond what’s shown here.
How much chain link fabric do I need for a 200 ft fence?
At 3% waste you’d need about 206 ft of fabric, which rounds up to 5 rolls of 50 ft fabric with about 44 ft of leftover material for patching.
What gauge chain link fabric should I buy?
9-gauge is the residential standard for durability. 11.5-gauge is lighter and cheaper but dents and sags more easily, especially with dogs or foot traffic against it.
Does this calculator include top rail and tension wire?
No. It calculates fabric rolls and line posts only. Top rail is usually sold in roughly 10.5 ft sections and tension wire is sold separately by the roll.
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Chain Link Fence Calculator Estimate
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Project
| Shape | — |
| Dimensions | — |
| Total length | — |
| Material | — |
| Waste allowance | — |
Shopping list
| Units needed | — |
| Stakes | — |
| Estimated total cost | — |
Notes
Estimate generated by materialcalculate.com. Confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.