Prices last reviewed: October 2026
How much does a chain link fence cost?
With the calculator's default prices, galvanized chain link costs about $9 to $11 per foot in materials if you install it yourself, and about $18 to $20 per foot with professional installation. Black vinyl coated chain link costs about $13 to $15 per foot in materials and $23 to $25 per foot installed.
The table shows a 150 ft fence in one straight run with one 4 ft walk gate.
| Chain link fence | Height | DIY total | DIY per ft | Installed total | Installed per ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized | 4 ft | $1,454 | $9.69 | $2,804 | $18.69 |
| Galvanized | 5 ft | $1,550 | $10.33 | $2,900 | $19.33 |
| Galvanized | 6 ft | $1,661 | $11.07 | $3,011 | $20.07 |
| Black vinyl coated | 4 ft | $2,008 | $13.39 | $3,508 | $23.39 |
| Black vinyl coated | 5 ft | $2,138 | $14.25 | $3,638 | $24.25 |
| Black vinyl coated | 6 ft | $2,297 | $15.31 | $3,797 | $25.31 |
Chain link is the cheapest common fence per foot. Prices vary by region, so enter your local prices in the calculator.
How much does 200 ft of chain link fence cost?
A straight 200 ft run of 4 ft galvanized chain link with one walk gate costs about $1,840 in materials, or about $3,640 installed. At 6 ft tall, it is about $2,110 DIY and $3,910 installed. In black vinyl coated, the 4 ft version is about $2,540 DIY and $4,540 installed.
Chain link fence parts and what they do
Most people remember the fabric and posts and forget the small fittings. Here is what a chain link fence is made of, and how the calculator counts each part.
| Part | What it does | How many |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric (mesh) | The woven wire you see | One 50 ft roll per 50 ft of fence, rounded up |
| Line posts | Thinner posts that hold the fabric between ends | About every 10 ft |
| Terminal posts | Heavier posts at ends, corners and gates that take the fabric tension | 2 per open run, 1 per corner, 2 per gate |
| Top rail | Pipe along the top that keeps posts aligned | One 10.5 ft stick per 10 ft of fence |
| Tension bar | Flat bar woven through the fabric end | 1 per fence end, 2 per corner |
| Tension bands | Clamp the tension bar to the terminal post | Fence height in ft minus 1, per tension bar |
| Brace band and rail end cup | Hold the top rail to the terminal post | 1 of each per tension bar |
| Dome caps and loop caps | Dome caps close terminal posts. Loop caps hold the top rail on line posts | 1 per post |
| Fence ties | Tie the fabric to line posts and the top rail | 1 per foot of height on each line post, plus 1 every 2 ft of rail |
Example: a straight 100 ft, 4 ft fence with no gate needs 2 rolls of fabric, 9 line posts, 2 terminal posts, 10 top rails, 2 tension bars, 6 tension bands, 2 brace bands, 2 rail end cups, 11 caps, about 86 ties and about 20 bags of concrete.
Posts, spacing and concrete
- Spacing: line posts go no more than 10 ft apart. Closer spacing makes a stiffer fence.
- Post sizes: residential fences usually use 1-5/8 in line posts and 2-3/8 in terminal posts. Heavier fences and tall gates use larger terminals.
- Depth: set posts at least 2 ft deep, or one third of the fence height if that is deeper. In cold climates, go below the frost line.
- Concrete: an 8 in hole 2 ft deep takes about 1.7 to 1.8 bags of 50 lb fast-setting concrete per post. Terminal posts always need concrete because they carry the fabric tension.
Galvanized or black vinyl coated?
Galvanized chain link is the classic silver fence and the cheapest option. Black vinyl coated chain link costs roughly 35 to 40 percent more in our examples, but it blends into yards and gardens, resists rust longer and looks less industrial. If the fence faces the street or a garden, many homeowners find the black worth it.
Wire gauge
Chain link wire is sold by gauge. A lower number means thicker wire. Most residential fences use 11 or 11.5 gauge. 9 gauge is heavier and common for commercial fences and for dogs that push against the fence. Heavier wire costs more, so check the gauge when you compare prices.
More fence calculators
- Fence cost calculator for wood, vinyl and picket fences
- Privacy fence calculator for 6 ft and 8 ft privacy fences
- Vinyl fence calculator for vinyl privacy and picket fences
Frequently asked questions
How much does chain link fence cost per foot?
Using the calculator's default prices, galvanized chain link costs about $9 to $11 per foot in materials and $18 to $20 per foot installed. Black vinyl coated chain link costs about $13 to $15 per foot in materials and $23 to $25 installed.
How much does 200 ft of chain link fence cost?
About $1,840 in materials for 4 ft galvanized chain link with one walk gate, or about $3,640 installed. A 6 ft fence costs about $2,110 in materials.
How far apart should chain link fence posts be?
No more than 10 ft apart. The calculator uses 10 ft by default. You can change it in the advanced settings.
How many tension bands do I need?
One fewer than the fence height in feet, for each tension bar. A 4 ft fence needs 3 bands per tension bar. Each fence end has one tension bar and each corner has two.
How many rolls of chain link fabric do I need?
Divide the fence length minus gate openings by 50 ft and round up. A 100 ft fence needs 2 rolls. A 120 ft fence needs 3.
Is black chain link worth the extra cost?
It costs about 35 to 40 percent more in our examples. In return it looks better, blends into planting and lasts longer before rust shows. For a fence on a busy street or in a garden, many people decide it is worth it.