Chain Link Fence Calculator
Enter your fence length to get a complete chain link material list — line posts, fabric, top rail sections, and concrete bags. Uses the industry-standard 10-ft post spacing. Free, no sign-up required.
Chain Link Inputs
Material List
| Material | Base Qty | With Waste | Notes |
|---|
Formula
Post spacing constant (10 ft) verified June 2026 — Chain Link Fittings post spacing guide
Chain Link Fence Components
Common components for a residential 6 ft chain link fence (not included in the base calculator — add these separately):
| Component | Qty per post | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal post (end/corner/gate) | As needed | Larger diameter than line posts; priced separately |
| Loop caps | 1 per line post | Threads top rail through line posts |
| Tension bars | 2 per terminal post | Weave into fabric to anchor it to terminal posts |
| Tension bands | 3 per terminal post (6 ft) | One per foot of fence height |
| Rail end fittings | 2 per terminal post | Caps the top rail at terminal posts |
| Tie wire | ~1 per 12 in of fabric | Attaches fabric to line posts and top rail |
Terminal post and fitting requirements vary by manufacturer. Confirm specifications with your supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Residential chain link fence uses 10-foot line post spacing on center, per the industry standard established by chain link fence manufacturers (chainlinkfittings.com, verified June 2026). Commercial installations sometimes use 8-ft spacing. End posts, corner posts, and gate posts are terminal posts and are placed at those specific locations regardless of line post spacing.
Fabric is sold by the linear foot in rolls (typically 50 ft, 100 ft, or custom lengths). Order fabric equal to your fence length plus 5–10% for corners and terminal post overlaps. The calculator outputs the linear footage needed.
Top rail is standard for residential chain link. It runs through loop caps on each post and provides the top edge for attaching the fabric. One top rail spans each 10-ft section. Some installations use a top tension wire instead of top rail to reduce cost, but top rail is more rigid and durable.
Line posts are the intermediate posts spaced 10 ft apart that support the fabric. Terminal posts (end posts, corner posts, gate posts) are heavier, larger-diameter posts at the structural anchor points. Terminal posts use different fittings (brace bands, tension bars) than line posts (loop caps). This calculator counts line posts; add terminal posts separately at each end, corner, and gate.
Line posts for a 4-ft fence are typically set 24 inches deep; for a 6-ft fence, 30–36 inches. Terminal posts (end, corner, gate) should be set deeper — at least 36 inches for a 6-ft fence. In frost climates, all posts must extend below the frost line. Verify with local code.
See also: Fence Calculator (all styles) · Post Spacing Calculator · Wood Fence Calculator