How Chain Link Is Counted
Chain link uses two kinds of posts. Terminal posts — the ends, corners, and both sides of every gate — are heavier (typically 2⅜ in) because they take the full tension of the stretched fabric through tension bars woven into the mesh and clamped with tension bands. Line posts (1⅝ in) are set every 10 feet between terminals and just steady the fabric with wire ties. The top rail runs continuously through line-post loop caps and is sold in 21 ft swedged sticks; fabric comes in 50 ft rolls. This calculator counts each of those parts, plus ties (one every 2 ft of rail and roughly five per line post) and concrete at one bag per line post and two per terminal.
Example: 150 ft, 4 ft Tall, 1 Gate, 2 Corners
| Item | Quantity | How it's figured |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric (50 ft rolls) | 3 | 146 ft of fence ÷ 50, rounded up |
| Line posts | 14 | 146 ÷ 10 = 15 sections, minus terminals in the run |
| Terminal posts | 5 | 2 ends + 2 corners + 1 gate post |
| Top rail (21 ft sticks) | 7 | 146 ÷ 21, rounded up |
| Ties | ~143 | 73 rail ties + 70 line-post ties |
| Concrete (50 lb) | 24 bags | 14 × 1 + 5 × 2 |
Add tension bars (one per fabric end at each terminal — corners take two), tension bands (3–4 per bar for a 4 ft fence), rail ends, post caps, and a tension wire or bottom rail if pets dig. Compare total cost against wood and vinyl with the fence cost estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are chain link fence posts?
Line posts go a maximum of 10 feet apart; closer (8 ft) looks better and resists wind on taller fences. Terminals go wherever the fence starts, stops, turns, or gates.
What's the difference between line and terminal posts?
Terminals (2⅜ in) anchor the stretched fabric via tension bars and bands and get double concrete; line posts (1⅝ in) just steady the mesh with ties. Using line posts at ends or corners is the most common DIY chain link failure.
How much concrete per post?
One 50 lb bag per line post, two per terminal, with terminals set 30 in deep or more. Add a bag in loose soil or for 6 ft fences.