About this calculator
Estimates the take-off for a straight chain-link fence run: mesh rolls, posts, tension wire rows, fixings, and post-hole concrete.
Formula
posts = ceil(fence length / post spacing) + 1
mesh rolls (incl. waste) = ceil(ceil(fence length / roll length) × (1 + waste% / 100))
tension wire length = tension wire rows × fence length
fixings = fixings per post × posts
hole volume = π × (hole diameter)² × hole depth / 4
post volume = π × (post diameter)² × hole depth / 4
concrete per post = hole volume − post volume
Worked example
Defaults: 30 m run, 2.5 m post spacing, 10 m mesh rolls, 5% waste, 2 tension wire rows, 3 fixings per post, 48 mm posts, 250 mm × 600 mm holes.
posts = ceil(30000/2500) + 1 = 13
mesh rolls = ceil(30000/10000) = 3; incl. waste = ceil(3.15) = 4
tension wire = 2 × 30 m = 60 m
fixings = 3 × 13 = 39
concrete per post ≈ 28,366,697 mm³; × 13 posts ≈ 368,767,061 mm³ (≈ 0.369 m³)
FAQ
Why is this a separate calculator from the general fence calculator? The general fence calculator models board and panel infill with multiple runs and gates. Chain-link mesh, tension wire rows, and round-post concrete are different enough materials and geometry that a single straight run kept the calculator simple and self-contained, matching this platform's "four files, no shared logic" rule for calculators.
Why doesn't the calculator cite a standard?
Post spacing, tension wire rows, and hole size depend on fence height, wind exposure, and
soil — no single standard fixes them, so meta.standards is left empty.
Assumptions and limits
Models one straight run only — no corners or gates. Post spacing, tension wire rows, fixing count, and hole size are all disclosed estimates you should adjust to match your own site conditions and product.