Calculated result
3rolls
Fabric rolls to order
Formula
FEN-CHAIN-001posts = floor(length ÷ spacing) + 1; rolls = ceil(length × (1 + waste) ÷ roll length)
11 posts
Total posts
9 posts
Line posts
2 posts
Terminal posts
Fencing calculator
Chain-link fence calculator
Chain-link fabric rolls, line posts, terminal posts and top-rail pieces from run length and spacing.
By Feroz Sheikh · Formula FEN-CHAIN-001 v1.0.0 · Tested formula
Formula
FEN-CHAIN-001v1.0.0Project inputs
Enter your measurements. Switching units converts the same project, including coverage and unit rates. Package yields keep the unit printed beside each field.
Refine measurements and rates at any time. Your current values are included in the material-list PDF.
Planning estimate, not engineering advice. Confirm site measurements and product specifications. Calculation limits.
This calculator places posts along a chain-link run, counts fabric rolls from roll length, and converts the run into top-rail sticks while keeping fabric waste visible.
- Measure the run between intended end posts.
- Enter line-post spacing and how many terminal, corner or gate posts the layout actually uses.
- Confirm mesh height, gauge, fittings and tension wire as separate product lines.
Add your project costs
Enter supplier prices and any labour, equipment or delivery costs. Pick a currency — badges, inputs, and totals follow.
Costs use the post, panel, fabric, stain or cap rate you type. Construclytic does not fetch fence-yard prices. Gates and slope racks stay extras. For GCC projects, select QAR, AED, SAR, KWD, OMR or BHD and enter local supplier rates.
How this calculator works
A transparent chain-link fence calculator takeoff.
Feroz SheikhWritten by Feroz Sheikh · founder
This calculator places posts along a chain-link run, counts fabric rolls from roll length, and converts the run into top-rail sticks while keeping fabric waste visible.
Chain-link is fabric length × height, then posts on a spacing you type. Gates are openings, not fabric. Tension wire, fittings and privacy slats are extras so a roll count is not a complete fence kit.
Worked example. Example: a 100 ft run at 10 ft spacing uses 11 posts. Two terminal posts leave 9 line posts. Fabric at 50 ft rolls with 5% waste rounds to 3 rolls, plus 10 top-rail sticks at 10 ft.
See the example inputs and calculated result
This separate example uses the calculator's starting values in imperial units. It stays unchanged when you edit the tool above. Example rates, yields and dimensions are assumptions, not recommendations for your project.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Fence length | 100 ft |
| Line-post spacing | 10 ft |
| Terminal posts | 2 count |
| Fabric roll length | 50 ft |
| Top-rail stock length | 10 ft |
| Fabric waste | 5 % |
Example result: Fabric rolls to order — 3 rolls.
posts = floor(length ÷ spacing) + 1; rolls = ceil(length × (1 + waste) ÷ roll length)
Use the labelled units above when reproducing this example. To work in metric, switch the calculator to Metric; applicable measurements are converted, while product-specific units remain labelled.
- 1. Measure the run between intended end posts.
- 2. Enter line-post spacing and how many terminal, corner or gate posts the layout actually uses.
- 3. Confirm mesh height, gauge, fittings and tension wire as separate product lines.
Field notes that change the number
- Measure the run in the dirt. Corners add terminal posts.
- Fabric height is the fabric, not the post stick-up.
- This cluster is still a focused run takeoff, not every mesh and coating.
Common mistakes
- Leaving fabric across a gate opening.
- Forgetting terminal posts at corners.
- Using wood-picket waste on mesh.
Need the broader workflow? Read the fencing planning guide.
How-to: How to plan a wood fence
Questions
Questions about chain-link fence calculator
Does this include gates?
No. Subtract gate openings from the fabric run or add gates as their own estimate items.
Why are terminal posts separate?
End, corner and gate posts are heavier posts with different fittings. Line-post count is total posts minus the terminals you enter.
What is the formula ID?
This chain-link fence calculator publishes formula FEN-CHAIN-001, version 1.0.0. The ID stays on the result and on the estimate line.