Chain-Link Fence Calculator
Quick answer: For a 100-foot straight run of 4-ft chain-link fence you need 14 posts (one every 8 ft plus ends), 2 rolls of 50-ft mesh, 5 lengths of 21-ft top rail, and 28 bags of 50-lb concrete (2 per post).
Planning a chain-link fence run? Enter the length of one straight stretch and the fence height to get a materials list: line posts, mesh rolls, top rail lengths, and concrete bags. Counts update instantly as you type.
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How to use this calculator
Measure one straight stretch of fence line in feet and choose the fence height. If your project has multiple runs, calculate each one separately and add the materials together — the tool rounds every material up, so combining short runs in one calculation would under-count.
Corner posts, gate posts, and bracing hardware are not included — add those separately for each corner and gate.
How it works
Posts = ceil(length ÷ 8) + 1 (line posts spaced at most 8 ft apart, plus end posts). Mesh rolls = ceil(length ÷ 50). Top rail lengths = ceil(length ÷ 21). Concrete = 2 × 50-lb bags per post. Corner posts, gate posts, and bracing are extra — this covers straight runs.
Worked example
A 100 ft run: posts ceil(100/8)+1 = 14; mesh ceil(100/50) = 2 rolls; top rail ceil(100/21) = 5 lengths; concrete 14 × 2 = 28 bags.
Reference data
| Line post spacing | Max 8 ft |
| Fabric roll length | 50 ft |
| Top rail length | 21 ft |
| Concrete per post | 2 × 50-lb bags |
Source: standard chain-link fence manufacturer installation specs and estimating practice (2026). See chain-link installation guide (50-ft rolls, standard heights) and chain-link fence and gate installation guide (post spacing chart).
Method & sources
The calculator walks along the run placing a post every 8 feet and adds an end post, then covers the length with standard 50-ft mesh rolls and 21-ft top rail lengths, rounding each material up to the next whole unit. Two 50-lb bags of concrete per post is the standard estimating allowance for setting posts. The counts are planning estimates, not a purchase guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Line posts are spaced at most 8 feet apart; this calculator uses exactly that spacing.
How much concrete does each post need?
The calculator allows two 50-lb bags per post, the standard estimating allowance.
What about corners and gates?
Corners and gates need terminal posts and bracing hardware — add those separately; this tool estimates straight runs.
Does fence height change the material count?
Post, mesh, and rail counts stay the same; taller fences may need heavier posts and bracing, which this estimate does not include.