Chain Link Fence Guide: Calculating Fabric, Posts, and Tension Wire
Chain link fencing is priced and ordered in three separate pieces: the fabric itself (the mesh, sold by the roll), the posts that hold it up, and the tension wire that runs along the top and bottom to keep the fabric taut between posts. This guide breaks down how to calculate all three from a simple fence length measurement.
Calculating Fabric Rolls
Chain link fabric is commonly sold in 50 ft rolls. Divide your total fence length by the roll length and round up to get the number of rolls needed — a partial roll still requires purchasing a full one, and seaming two partial rolls together on site adds labor most crews prefer to avoid.
Calculating Line Posts
Line posts support the fabric along a straight run and are set at regular intervals — typically spaced 8–10 feet apart. Closer spacing (8 ft) adds rigidity in high-wind areas, while 10 ft spacing is standard for most residential installs.
Line post count is calculated by dividing the fence length by the post spacing and adding one for the starting post. Note that terminal (end, corner, and gate) posts are counted separately from line posts, since corners and gates need additional terminal posts beyond a simple straight-run estimate.
Terminal vs. Line Posts
Terminal posts are heavier-duty posts placed at corners, ends, and gates, since they bear the tension load of the stretched fabric — line posts only support the fabric’s weight along a straight run, not the tension itself. A straight run needs at least 2 terminal posts (one at each end); every corner and gate adds more.
Calculating Tension Wire
Most installs run one tension wire along the bottom and one along the top (or a top rail instead), so you need roughly twice the fence length in tension wire if both top and bottom are wired. Tension wire keeps the fabric taut between posts and prevents sagging over time.
Worked Example
100 ft fence, 10 ft post spacing, 50 ft rolls, straight run with 2 terminal posts.
Fabric rolls: 100 ÷ 50 = 2 rolls.
Line posts: 100 ÷ 10 = 10, + 1 = 11 line posts.
Terminal posts: 2 (straight run) — add more for any corners or gates.
Tension wire (top + bottom): 100 × 2 = 200 ft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not adding terminal posts on top of the line post count for corners and gates.
- Forgetting that tension wire runs both top and bottom, doubling the linear footage needed.
- Using 10 ft post spacing in a high-wind area that would benefit from tighter 8 ft spacing.
- Rounding down on fabric rolls instead of up, leaving a section of fence uncovered.
Related Guidence
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
Line posts are typically spaced 8-10 feet apart. Closer spacing (8 ft) adds rigidity in high-wind areas, while 10 ft spacing is standard for most residential installs.
What is the difference between a line post and a terminal post?
Line posts support the fabric along a straight run and are set at regular intervals. Terminal posts are heavier-duty posts placed at corners, ends, and gates, since they bear the tension load of the stretched fabric.
How much tension wire does a chain link fence need?
Most installs run one tension wire along the bottom and one along the top (or a top rail instead), so you need roughly twice the fence length in tension wire if both top and bottom are wired.
Try the Chain Link Fence Calculator
Ready to run your own numbers? Use the free Chain Link Fence Calculator on our site — just enter your measurements and get an instant, accurate estimate.
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