The Efficiency of Chain Link
Chain link fencing (also known as wire netting, wire-mesh fence, or cyclone fence) is one of the most cost-effective, durable, and low-maintenance fencing options available. While it doesn't provide the privacy of a solid wood fence, it provides excellent security, keeps pets contained, and allows wind and light to pass completely through, making it ideal for large perimeters, sports fields, and industrial lots.
Unlike wood fences which are built board-by-board, the "fabric" (the actual metal mesh) of a chain link fence is sold in massive, heavy rolls. Ordering the correct number of rolls is the first step in pricing out your fencing project.
Standard Chain Link Roll Sizes
Chain link fabric is universally woven and packaged in standard lengths. In North America, residential and commercial chain link fabric is almost exclusively sold in 50-foot rolls.
While the height of the roll varies wildly (typically 36", 42", 48", 60", or 72"), the length of the roll remains a constant 50 feet.
Because the fabric is heavy and awkward to transport, minimizing the number of rolls you buy—while ensuring you have enough to complete the perimeter—is crucial.
How to Calculate Chain Link Rolls
Calculating the number of rolls required is a simple linear division problem. However, you must account for gates and how the fabric is spliced together.
The Formula
- Measure the total Linear Perimeter of the area you intend to fence.
- Subtract the width of any Gates (the fabric for gates is pre-installed on the gate frame, so you don't run the main roll across the gate opening).
- Divide the remaining length by 50.
- Round up to the nearest whole roll.
Total Rolls = Roundup((Total Length - Gate Widths) ÷ 50)
Example Calculation
You are fencing in a rectangular backyard. The back property line is 80 feet, and the two side lines are 60 feet each. You are installing a 4-foot wide walk gate on one side.
- Total Perimeter:
80 + 60 + 60 = 200 feet. - Subtract the gate:
200 - 4 = 196 linear feet of fence line. - Divide by 50:
196 ÷ 50 = 3.92 rolls.
You will need to order exactly 4 rolls (200 linear feet) of chain link fabric.
Splicing Rolls Together
What do you do when a 50-foot roll runs out in the middle of a 80-foot fence line? You must "splice" the two rolls together.
Because chain link is woven, splicing is incredibly clean. You literally untwist and remove one single vertical wire strand from the end of the new roll. You then butt the new roll up against the old roll, insert that single wire strand back into the mesh, and corkscrew it down, weaving the two separate rolls into one continuous, unbreakable piece of fabric. No clamps or overlapping required!