Chain Link Fence Calculator
Estimate a chain link fence: mesh rolls, line posts, terminal (end, corner and gate) posts, top rail, tension bars and bands, fence ties and mesh area from the fence length, height, corners and gates.
How it works
line posts ≈ ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ − (corners + gates + 1) · terminal posts = 2 ends + corners + 2 per gate · rolls = ⌈length ÷ roll length⌉ · tension bars = 2 + 2 per corner + 2 per gate · bands per bar = height in feet − 1 · ties: one per 30 cm on line posts + one per 60 cm on the top rail
A chain link (malla ciclónica) fence hangs the mesh between heavier terminal posts — at each end, corner and gate — and lighter line posts at no more than 3 m (10 ft). At every terminal post a tension bar is threaded through the mesh and clamped with tension bands, one per foot of height minus one; corners take two bars because the mesh is stretched in two directions. A top rail in 21 ft (6.4 m) lengths and a bottom tension wire keep the mesh from sagging, and aluminium ties fix it about every 30 cm on line posts and 60 cm on the rail (Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute practice). Set terminal posts in concrete and stretch the mesh before tying it.
Worked example
A 50 m fence, 1.8 m high, posts at 3 m, with 2 corners and 1 gate: ⌈50 ÷ 3⌉ = 17 spaces − 4 runs = 13 line posts; terminal posts = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. Mesh = 50 ÷ 20 = 2.5 → 3 rolls of 20 m; top rail = 50 ÷ 6.4 → 8 lengths; tension bars = 2 + 4 + 2 = 8 with 5 bands each (40); ties = 13 × 6 + 84 = 162; mesh area 90 m².
Sources: Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute — Product manual and installation guide · ASTM F567 Standard Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Line posts no more than 10 ft (3 m) apart — 8 ft (2.5 m) in windy areas or for privacy slats. Terminal posts go at every end, corner and gate.
How many tension bands do I need?
One less than the fence height in feet on each tension bar: 5 for a 6 ft fence, 3 for a 4 ft fence. Corner posts have two tension bars, so twice as many bands.
How long is a roll of chain link?
In the US rolls are 50 ft; in Latin America malla ciclónica is commonly sold in 10, 20 or 25 m rolls. Divide the fence length by the roll length and round up.
Do I need a top rail?
For residential fences, yes — the top rail stops the mesh sagging and braces the posts. Some farm and industrial fences use a top tension wire instead.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.