Chain link fabric calculator
Work out how many rolls of chain link fabric cover a run, the cut piece left over, and how many splices join them, with the math shown.
Fabric rolls needed
Enter your measurements and the result updates as you type.
Overview
Chain link fabric is sold in rolls measured by length at a fixed height, commonly 50 feet (sometimes 100), and a run longer than one roll needs a splice between rolls and usually a cut piece for the remainder. This calculator works out all three numbers from your run length and roll size.
Fabric width (height) is matched by buying the roll at your fence height; the roll length and the run length are the two numbers that decide how much you need, so those are all this calculator asks for.
Common mistakes
- Round-number guessing ("two rolls should cover it") instead of dividing the run by the roll length and handling the remainder.
- Counting a splice for every join including the first roll, when a single roll needs no splice at all.
- Forgetting that a run longer than one roll leaves a cut piece that is still a real roll you pay for.
Related calculators
- Chain link fence calculator Calculate line posts, terminal posts, top rail and concrete for a chain link fence run, with 10 foot post spacing as the default.
- Fence cost calculator Estimate total fence cost from run length, height and your local material and labor rates, with the budget math shown.
- Fence post calculator Calculate line posts, corner posts and end posts from run length and spacing, with concrete for each post included in the take-off.
Related reading
In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of chain link fabric do I need?
Divide your run length by the roll length and round up. A 150 foot run with 50 foot rolls needs 3 rolls: 2 full rolls and a 50 foot piece, with 2 splices between the rolls.
What is the cut piece when a run does not divide evenly?
The remainder after full rolls: it is the leftover length that still has to come from a roll, so the roll count rounds up to cover it.
How many splices will my chain link fence have?
One fewer than the number of rolls, because every join between two rolls is a splice and a single roll has no joins. A 150 foot run in 50 foot rolls has 2 splices.
Should fabric rolls be bought at the fence height?
Yes. Fabric comes in fixed heights and the run length is what varies, so match the roll height to your fence height (say 5 or 6 feet) and only decide roll count from the run length.
How much should I overlap fabric at a splice?
Manufacturers specify an overlap, commonly one diamond of the mesh, so the tension wires can lace through both pieces. Plan the rolls so the cut ends meet at a post wherever possible.
What gauge fabric should I pick for a residential fence?
Residential fabric commonly runs 11.5 to 9 gauge, with heavier (lower number) fabric costing more and resisting damage better. The roll and splice math is identical regardless of gauge.
Does the gate area affect the fabric count?
Yes, the run you cover with fabric is the span excluding gate and terminal openings, since gates carry their own fabric. Subtract gate widths from the run before using this calculator, the same way the full fence calculator does.
How much does chain link fabric cost per roll?
Prices vary by height, gauge, coating and region, so a single national number would mislead. Check your local supplier for the roll size you plan to use; the fence cost calculator can then total it against your run.