How many posts for a chain link fence?
The fence length is in feet and the fabric height in inches, with 12 inches in a foot. [1] Sections = the fence length divided by the distance between line posts, rounded up. Posts = sections + 1, plus the extra posts you add for corners and gates. The two end posts and your extra posts are terminal posts, and the rest are line posts.
Terminal posts are generally one size larger than line posts, says the CLFMI product manual. [3] The federal guide specification asks for corner or pull posts, with bracing in both directions, for changes of direction of 15 degrees or more. [2]
Ties: each line post takes one tie for each 12 in of fabric height, rounded up (our counting rule). Rolls of fabric and top rail pieces are counted only when you enter the length of one roll and of one rail, because we give no default for them.
Worked example
A fence 100 ft long with line posts 10 ft apart: 100 / 10 = 10 sections. Posts = 10 + 1 = 11. Two of them are the end posts, so 9 are line posts. Fabric 48 in high takes one tie every 12 in on each line post: 48 / 12 = 4 ties, and 9 x 4 = 36 ties.
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
The federal guide specification for chain link fences says to space line posts equally, not exceeding 10 feet on center, and to space footings for line posts 10 feet on center at most. [2] It is a maximum, so this calculator starts there and lets you change it. The CLFMI manual points to its wind load guide for a fence that needs a structural design. [3]
Your local rules apply. Ask your building authority or follow your fence maker's instructions.
How deep should chain link fence posts go?
The same specification sets the bottom of each post not less than 36 inches below finished grade in firm, undisturbed soil, and says to set posts deeper in soft and problem soils and for heavy lateral loads. It also says to keep exposed footing concrete moist for at least 7 calendar days after placement. [2]
Posts and ties for common fence lengths
Five example lengths with line posts 10 ft apart and fabric 48 in high, with no extra posts. The lengths and the height are examples to show the sum.
| Length (ft) | Sections | Posts | Line posts | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 16 |
| 100 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 36 |
| 150 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 56 |
| 200 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 76 |
| 300 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 116 |
How much chain link fence for an acre?
NIST lists an acre, based on the U.S. survey foot, as 4,046.873 square meters, and the U.S. survey foot as 0.3048006 meters. [1]
The area of an acre in square feet is 4,046.873 / (0.3048006 x 0.3048006) = 43,560 square feet. Assume a square lot with four corner posts. Each side is the square root of 43,560, which is 208.7 ft. With line posts 10 ft apart, a side takes 208.7 / 10 = 20.87, rounded up to 21 sections.
A fence that closes on itself has as many posts as sections, because the last section meets the first post. So the posts are 4 x 21 = 84: 4 corner posts and 80 line posts. Fabric 48 in high takes 80 x 4 = 320 ties.
A real lot differs. One twice as long as it is wide, with the same area, has sides of 147.6 ft and 295.2 ft. Each side rounds up on its own, to 15 and 30 sections, so 15 + 30 + 15 + 30 = 90 sections and 90 posts, with 86 line posts and 344 ties. Enter your own lot's sides and add the posts for gates. Slopes add to the count.
How much does a chain link fence cost?
We state no price. Ask local suppliers for a price per foot of fence, then enter it under Rolls, rails and price (optional) above to see the total. The site does not store the prices you type.
Common mistakes and limits
- Leaving out corners and gates. Enter the posts your plan adds for them under Extra posts.
- Spacing line posts too far apart. The federal guide specification says not to exceed 10 feet on center. [2]
- Forgetting a roll. A fence 100 ft long with rolls 50 ft long needs 2 rolls, but a 101 ft fence needs 3: the count rounds up.
- What this tool does not cover: gates, tension wire, bracing, concrete for the posts and local rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence ties do I need on chain link?
The federal guide specification says to tie the fabric to line posts with wire spaced 12 inches on center, and to rails and braces with wire ties spaced 24 inches on center. This calculator counts one tie for each 12 inches of fabric height on each line post. [2]
How much does a roll of chain link fence weigh?
We found no source we can cite for the weight of a roll. Ask your supplier. Type the length of one roll into Length of one roll of fabric to count the rolls.
What are terminal posts?
The two ends of a run, and the posts at corners and gates. The CLFMI manual says pipe terminal posts are generally one size larger than the line posts, and the federal guide specification asks for corner or pull posts, with bracing in both directions, for changes of direction of 15 degrees or more. [3][2]
How long can a straight run be between braced posts?
The federal guide specification says not to exceed 500 feet on straight runs between braced posts. This calculator does not place braced posts: enter them as Extra posts if your plan has them. [2]
Sources and references
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B.8: Factors for Units Listed Alphabetically (SP 811, accessed November 2026). Used for: the inch and foot relationship (12 inches in a foot), and the acre and the survey foot in meters.
- USACE / NAVFAC / AFCEC (Unified Facilities Guide Specifications). UFGS 32 31 13, Chain Link Fences and Gates (November 2021, accessed November 2026). Used for: the line post spacing, post depth, tie spacing and where braced posts are needed.
- Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI). Chain Link Fence Product Manual (revised March 2017, accessed November 2026). Used for: that terminal posts are one size larger than line posts.
How we use sources: methodology.
Estimates only. Confirm quantities with your supplier. See the disclaimer. Found a wrong result? Report an error.