Calculate chain link fence fabric weight, height, or length from any two inputs using in, ft, cm, m, lb, or kg units, with step-by-step results.

Chain Link Fence Weight Calculator

Assumes chain link fabric areal weight of 0.40 lb/ft² (estimate; fabric only).

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing variable

Chain Link Fence Weight Formula

The calculator estimates the weight of chain link fence fabric only. It uses an assumed fabric areal weight of 0.40 lb/ft². Posts, rails, tension wire, gates, fittings, and hardware are not included.

W = (H / 12) * L * 0.40
H = W / ((0.40 / 12) * L)
L = W / ((0.40 / 12) * H)
  • W = estimated chain link fence fabric weight in pounds
  • H = height of the fence fabric in inches
  • L = length of the fence fabric in feet
  • 0.40 = assumed fabric weight in pounds per square foot
  • 12 = inches per foot, used to convert fabric height from inches to feet

If you enter height and length, the calculator finds the estimated fabric weight. If you enter length and weight, it solves for the fabric height. If you enter height and weight, it solves for the fabric length. Metric inputs are converted internally before the formula is applied, then the result is converted back to the unit you selected.

Estimated Chain Link Fabric Weights by Common Fence Size

These values use the same 0.40 lb/ft² assumption as the calculator.

Fence fabric height Weight per linear foot Estimated weight for 50 ft Estimated weight for 100 ft
4 ft 1.6 lb/ft 80 lb 160 lb
5 ft 2.0 lb/ft 100 lb 200 lb
6 ft 2.4 lb/ft 120 lb 240 lb
8 ft 3.2 lb/ft 160 lb 320 lb
10 ft 4.0 lb/ft 200 lb 400 lb

Unit Conversions Used by the Calculator

Input type Base unit used in formula Conversions
Height inches 1 cm = 0.393701 in; 1 m = 39.3701 in
Length feet 1 cm = 0.0328084 ft; 1 m = 3.28084 ft
Weight pounds 1 kg = 2.20462 lb

Example Problems

Example 1: Find the weight

You have chain link fabric that is 48 inches high and 100 feet long.

W = (48 / 12) * 100 * 0.40 = 160 lb

The estimated fabric weight is 160 lb.

Example 2: Find the length

You have 120 lb of estimated chain link fabric weight and the fabric height is 72 inches.

L = 120 / ((0.40 / 12) * 72) = 50 ft

The estimated fabric length is 50 ft.

FAQ

Does this include the weight of posts, rails, and gates?

No. The result is for chain link fence fabric only. It does not include line posts, terminal posts, top rail, brace rail, tension bars, tension bands, tie wires, gates, concrete, or other installation materials.

Why might the actual chain link fence weight be different?

Actual weight can vary because chain link fabric is made in different wire gauges, mesh sizes, coatings, and materials. Heavier gauge wire, smaller mesh openings, and some coatings can increase the weight. The calculator uses 0.40 lb/ft² as a general estimate.

What height unit should you use for a 4 foot, 5 foot, or 6 foot fence?

The height field accepts inches, centimeters, or meters. For common foot-based fence heights, enter 48 inches for 4 ft, 60 inches for 5 ft, 72 inches for 6 ft, and 96 inches for 8 ft.