Chain Link Fence Calculator

Step 1: Choose Imperial or Metric.

Step 2: Enter the total fence perimeter — the linear distance the fence will run. For a rectangular yard, that's 2 × (length + width).

Step 3: Set fence height. Standard chain link heights are 4 ft (residential pet yards), 5 ft (medium security), 6 ft (privacy/residential), and 8 ft+ (commercial). Metric equivalents: 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.4 m.

Step 4: Set line post spacing. Chain link standard is 10 ft (3 m) — wider than wood fence spacing because the steel fabric provides its own structural rigidity between posts.

Step 5: Enter corner count. A rectangular yard fence has 4 corners; an L-shape has 2; a single straight run has 0. Each corner needs a heavier terminal post and a brace band.

Step 6: Enter walk gates (standard 4 ft / 1.2 m) and drive gates (standard 12 ft / 3.6 m). Each gate adds 2 terminal posts (one on each side of the opening).

Step 7: Optionally enter price per linear foot for total cost. Chain link materials run $10–25 per linear foot depending on fence height and wire gauge.

Step 8: Click Calculate. Results break down terminal posts, line posts, top rail (10.5 ft / 3.2 m sections), fabric rolls (50 ft / 15 m each), tension wire, tension bands, brace bands, tie wires, and concrete volume.

Chain link fencing has many more component types than wood fencing because the structure carries different loads. The steel frame (posts + rails) provides rigidity; the fabric provides the visible mesh; tension hardware keeps everything tight.

Terminal posts are the structural anchors — heavier gauge steel, set in deeper concrete footings. Every end, corner, and gate gets a terminal post. A typical residential 100 ft fence with 4 corners and one walk gate uses 7 terminal posts.

Line posts are lighter, set every 10 ft (3 m) between terminals. They hold the top rail and tie the fabric in place but don't carry tension load.

Top rail is sold in 10.5 ft (3.2 m) sections that swage together. It runs continuously along the top of the fence, threaded through line post caps.

Fabric is the chain link mesh itself, sold in 50 ft (15 m) rolls in heights matching common fence heights. The fabric weave is rated by gauge (9-gauge for residential, 11-gauge for light commercial, 6-gauge for industrial).

Tension wire runs along the bottom of the fabric, anchored at terminal posts. It prevents the fabric from rolling up and getting pushed out at the bottom.

Tension bands and brace bands are the hardware that holds everything to the terminal posts. Bands count scales with fence height — a 6 ft fence uses about 5 tension bands per terminal post.

Tie wires attach the fabric to the line posts and top rail. Industry rule of thumb: 12–14 tie wires per line post for a 6 ft fence, plus 24 ties per 100 ft of top rail.

Why concrete volumes differ from wood fence calcs. Chain link terminal posts use heavier post holes (12 inch diameter × 30 inch deep typical) — more concrete per post than line posts (8 inch × 24 inch). The calculator splits these out so your cement order is accurate.

Given fence length L, height H, line spacing S, corners C, walk gates Gw, drive gates Gd:

Fence length = L − (Gw × walk gate width) − (Gd × drive gate width)

Terminal posts = 2 ends + C corners + 2 × (Gw + Gd) gate posts

Line posts = ⌈Fence length / S⌉ − 1

Top rail sections = ⌈Fence length / 10.5 ft (3.2 m per section)⌉

Fabric rolls = ⌈Fence length / 50 ft (15 m per roll)⌉

Tension wire = Fence length (one continuous strand)

Tension bands per terminal = Fence height in ft − 1 (e.g., 5 bands for 6 ft fence)

Total tension bands = Tension bands per terminal × Terminal posts

Brace bands = Terminal posts (one each)

Tie wires ≈ Line posts × height-in-feet + ⌈Fence length × 0.24⌉

Example: 100 ft fence, 6 ft tall, 4 corners, 1 walk gate, 10 ft line spacing.
- Fence length = 100 − 4 = 96 ft
- Terminal posts = 2 + 4 + 2 = 8
- Line posts = ⌈96/10⌉ − 1 = 9
- Top rail = ⌈96 / 10.5⌉ = 10 sections
- Fabric = ⌈96 / 50⌉ = 2 rolls
- Tension wire = 96 ft
- Tension bands = (6 − 1) × 8 = 40
- Brace bands = 8
- Tie wires ≈ 9 × 6 + ⌈96 × 0.24⌉ = 54 + 24 = 78

Example 1: Backyard pet yard. 60 ft fence, 4 ft tall, 4 corners, 1 walk gate. Fence length = 56 ft. Terminals = 8, lines = 5, fabric rolls = ⌈56/50⌉ = 2, top rail = ⌈56/10.5⌉ = 6 sections.

Example 2: Driveway perimeter. 250 ft, 6 ft tall, 4 corners, 1 walk + 1 drive gate. Fence length = 250 − 4 − 12 = 234 ft. Terminals = 2 + 4 + 4 = 10, lines = ⌈234/10⌉ − 1 = 23, fabric = 5 rolls.

Example 3: Commercial 8 ft. 200 ft, 8 ft tall, 4 corners, 1 drive gate. Fence length = 188 ft. Terminals = 8, lines = 18, tension bands = (8−1) × 8 = 56.

Gauge matters. Lower gauge numbers = thicker steel. 9-gauge is residential standard. 11-gauge is light-duty (looks thinner, dents easier). 6-gauge is industrial (heavy, expensive). Most home applications use 9-gauge.

Vinyl-coated lasts longer than galvanized. Black or green vinyl coatings extend fabric life from 15–20 years to 25–30 years and resist rust at edges where galvanizing wears thin. The cost premium is 30–50 percent.

Stretching fabric is the hardest step. A come-along or fence stretcher tool is required to pull the fabric tight before fastening to terminals. Renting one ($20/day) is cheaper than buying for a one-time install.

Top rail must be straight. Chain link's appearance depends entirely on the top rail being level and straight. Sight along it before final tightening. Bent rail looks terrible permanently.

Use barbed wire or razor wire on top only where allowed. Many residential zones prohibit barbed wire facing public streets. Check local codes before adding barbed extensions.

Set terminal posts first. Pour concrete and let cure for 48 hours before stretching fabric. Line posts can be set the same day fabric goes up since they bear no tension load.

Don't forget post caps. Terminal post caps are flat or domed; line post caps have a hole for the top rail to pass through. Confusing these is a common DIY mistake.