Chain Link Fence Calculator
Calculate how many line posts you need for a chain link fence at 10 ft spacing, based on your fenced area's perimeter, plus total cost.
How this calculator works
This calculator treats your fenced area as a rectangle: it computes the perimeter from the two side lengths you enter, divides by the standard 10 ft chain link line-post spacing, and adds one post to close the loop.
Formula: Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Width). Posts = floor(Perimeter ÷ Spacing) + 1.
Worked example
A fenced yard 40 ft x 30 ft, with posts spaced 10 ft apart:
- Perimeter: 2 × (40 + 30) = 140 ft
- Posts: floor(140 ÷ 10) + 1 = floor(14) + 1 = 15 posts
- At $25/post, that’s 15 × 25 = $375.00.
Coverage reference
| Perimeter | Posts needed (10 ft spacing) |
|---|---|
| 100 ft | 11 posts |
| 140 ft | 15 posts |
| 220 ft | 23 posts |
How to measure your fence line
Measure the two distinct side lengths of your rectangular, fully enclosed fence run. This calculator estimates the total line-post count; remember that corner, end, and gate posts along that same run typically need a heavier-gauge terminal post rather than a standard line post.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are chain link fence posts spaced?
10 ft is a typical spacing for line posts on residential chain link fencing, matching common chain link fabric roll widths and rail lengths. Commercial or taller installations sometimes use tighter spacing for extra rigidity — check your fabric height and local wind requirements.
What's the difference between line posts and terminal posts?
Line posts are the regular posts spaced along a straight run and only bear the fabric's tension pulling in one direction. Terminal posts — at corners, ends, and gates — are typically a heavier gauge, since they anchor the fabric tension pulling from two directions or resist a gate's swinging load. This calculator estimates total posts; terminal posts are usually a subset priced at a higher per-post cost.
How is chain link fabric sold, and does it match this calculator?
Chain link mesh fabric is commonly sold in 50 ft rolls, independent of post spacing. Calculate your total perimeter separately to determine how many fabric rolls you need — divide total perimeter by 50 ft and round up.
Do chain link posts need to be set in concrete?
Yes, typically. Line and terminal posts are usually set in a concrete-filled hole roughly three times the post's diameter and set to about one-third the post's above-ground height, though exact depth varies with local frost line and soil conditions.
Why is there a +1 in the post formula?
A fenced perimeter needs one more post than the number of spacing intervals to close the loop — for example, 14 intervals of 10 ft require 15 posts, one at the start of each interval plus the closing post.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.