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Assumptions: terminal posts at ends and corners; each gate adds two terminals. Fabric and top rail skip gate openings. Approximations suit planning; field conditions vary.
Results
Enter values and click Calculate.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|
Example Data
A sample 200 ft x 6 ft project with two gates (12 ft and 4 ft), 8 ft spacing, 4 corners, and 5% waste.
| Parameter | Value | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units | Imperial | Fence height | 6 ft |
| Total length | 200 ft | Line post spacing | 8 ft |
| Corners | 4 | Gate openings | 12 ft, 4 ft |
| Closed loop | No | Waste allowance | 5% |
| Hole diameter | 10 in | Hole depth | 30 in |
Click Load example to populate the form above, then run the calculation.
Formulas Used
- Gate total width = sum of entered gate widths.
- Effective length = total fence length − gate total width.
- Terminal posts = (closed loop ? 0 : 2) + corners + 2 × number of gates.
- Intervals = ceil(Effective length ÷ spacing).
- Line posts = max(0, Intervals − Terminal posts).
- Total posts = Line posts + Terminal posts.
- Top rail length = Effective length × (1 + waste%). Pieces = ceil(Top rail length ÷ stock length).
- Fabric length = Effective length. Rolls = ceil(Fabric length ÷ roll length).
- Tension bars ≈ Terminal posts; Tension bands ≈ (⌈height(ft)⌉ + 1) × Terminal posts.
- Ties/clips ≈ ⌈height(ft)⌉ × Line posts + ⌈Effective length(ft)⌉ along the top rail or cable.
- Concrete per hole (cylinder) = π × (diameter/2)2 × depth.
- Total concrete = Concrete per hole × Total posts. Convert: ft³ ÷ 27 = yd³ (imperial) or use m for metric (gives m³).
- Bag estimates (imperial): 50 lb ≈ 0.375 ft³, 60 lb ≈ 0.45 ft³, 80 lb ≈ 0.6 ft³.
- Top cable length (if used) = Effective length × (1 + waste%).
- Wire tighteners ≈ 1 per 100 ft of wire run.
- Barbed wire length = Effective length × strands; Arms on terminals or all posts.
- Privacy slat bags ≈ ⌈Effective length(ft) ÷ bag length(ft)⌉; Slat count ≈ ⌈Effective length(ft) ÷ (mesh size(in)/12)⌉.
- Post caps: loop caps = line posts; dome caps = terminal posts.
- Fabric gauge affects strength and weight; counts remain unchanged.
- Coating (galvanized, vinyl, aluminized) affects corrosion resistance and look.
These are planning approximations. Verify spacing, hardware, and local codes with your supplier or installer.
How to Use
- Select your units and enter fence height and total length.
- Enter line post spacing, number of corners, and gate widths.
- Adjust roll length, rail stock, waste, and hole dimensions.
- Click Calculate to generate quantities and concrete volume.
- Use Export CSV or Export PDF to save or share.
Typical Chain Link Components & Sizes
Common sizes shown for quick reference. Specifications vary by region and supplier; confirm locally.
| Component | Common size (Imperial) | Common size (Metric) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line post (OD) | 1–5/8 in | ≈ 42 mm | Galvanized or coated; spaced along runs |
| Terminal post (OD) | 2–1/2 in | ≈ 60 mm | Ends, corners, and gates |
| Top rail | 1–3/8 in | ≈ 35 mm | Continuous rail or top cable alternative |
| Fabric mesh (diamond) | 2 in | ≈ 50 mm | Match your selected height and gauge |
| Tension wire | 7–9 ga | ≈ 3.7–4.5 mm | Bottom wire; sometimes top in lieu of rail |
| Ties/clips | — | — | Along top and up posts; count scales with height |
| Tension bands | — | — | ≈ height(ft)+1 per terminal (rule of thumb) |
| Tension bars | — | — | Typically one per terminal side |
Recommended Line‑Post Spacing by Height & Exposure
Planning guidance only; adjust for wind, soil, fabric gauge, and local code.
| Fence height | Normal exposure | High exposure / wind | Metric guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 8–10 ft | 6–8 ft | 1.2 m height • 2.0–2.5 m spacing |
| 5–6 ft | 6–10 ft | 6–8 ft | 1.5–1.8 m • 2.0–3.0 m spacing |
| 8 ft | 6–8 ft | 6 ft | 2.4 m • 2.0–2.5 m spacing |
| 10–12 ft | 6–8 ft | 6 ft | 3.0–3.6 m • 2.0–2.5 m spacing |
FAQs
Common spacing is 6–10 ft (2.0–3.0 m), depending on wind, height, and code. Closer spacing increases rigidity and reduces fabric sag.
No. Fabric covers fence runs between terminal posts. Gate openings are spanned by gate frames, not continuous fabric or top rail.
A rule of thumb is one per foot of height plus one, per terminal post. For a 6 ft fence, use about seven per terminal.
Estimates show total volume. 80 lb bags yield ~0.6 ft³, 60 lb ~0.45 ft³, and 50 lb ~0.375 ft³. Choose based on availability and hole size.
Yes. A closed loop removes end posts. Terminals become corners plus two per gate. Use the checkbox to switch modes.