Chain Link Fence Calculator

Divide total fence length by roll length and round up. For 100 ft of fencing with 50 ft rolls, you need 2 rolls. Standard rolls come in 25, 50, and 100 ft lengths. Always buy one extra roll for mistakes, repairs, and gate overlaps. Larger rolls are more economical per foot but heavier to handle—50 ft rolls balance cost and convenience for most residential projects.

Standard spacing is 10 ft (3m) for most residential applications. Use 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4m) spacing for added strength in high-wind areas or for security fencing. Commercial and industrial fences often use 10 ft spacing. Terminal posts (corners, ends, gates) need additional bracing. Closer spacing increases cost but improves stability and prevents sagging mesh over time.

You need two types: terminal posts (corners, ends, gate posts) are heavier gauge, typically 2-3/8" diameter; line posts (in-between) are lighter, typically 1-5/8" to 2" diameter. Terminal posts need concrete footings. Post height should be fence height plus 2 ft (60cm) for burial depth. Add 2 extra posts per gate. Use galvanized steel for durability.

Chain link fence costs: USA $5-15/linear ft materials, $10-25/ft installed; Canada C$8-20/ft; UK £20-50/m; Australia A$30-80/m; India ₹100-300/ft. Mesh rolls $50-150 each (50 ft); posts $10-30 each; gates $80-300 each. Vinyl-coated mesh costs 30-50% more than galvanized. Height significantly affects cost—6 ft costs 25% more than 4 ft.

Essential hardware includes: tension bars (1 per terminal post), tension bands (3-4 per terminal post), brace bands (2 per terminal post), rail ends, tie wires or aluminum ties (6-8 per 10 ft section), post caps, and top rail (usually 21 ft sections). Gate hardware includes hinges, latch, and center stop. Most suppliers sell complete hardware kits for easier ordering.

Measure the total perimeter by adding all sides together. Each corner requires a terminal post plus corner bracing. Irregular shapes may need more terminal posts at angle changes greater than 15 degrees. Add 5-10% to mesh quantity for corner overlaps and waste. Consider access for installation equipment when planning layout. Professional installers can help with complex configurations.