Fencing takeoff guide
Fencing takeoffs look simple, linear feet times a price, until posts, gates, footings, grade changes and fence types multiply. A clean takeoff splits every run into segments between terminal posts, counts every post category, and sizes footings from the detail, or from ASTM F567 when the detail defers to it.
- LF by fence type
- Posts by segment
- F567 footings
- Gates and terrain
What to read
- Site plan with fence lines, types, heights and gates.
- Fence details: fabric or panels, post sizes, spacing, rails, tension wire, footings.
- Specifications: materials, coatings, fabric gauge, and referenced standards (chain link specs commonly cite ASTM F567 for installation).
- Grading plan for slopes, walls and curbs the fence sits on.
What ASTM F567 says about chain link
ASTM F567 (Standard Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence) sets the defaults a lot of specs point to:
- Line posts are spaced equally, no more than 10 ft on center, measured parallel to grade.
- Terminal posts (end, corner, gate) go at the start and end of each continuous length and at abrupt changes in vertical or horizontal alignment.
- Footing diameter under normal conditions is 4× the post's largest cross-section for posts up to 4 in OD, and 3× for larger posts.
- Footing depth is a minimum of 24 in plus 3 in for each foot of fence height over 4 ft, up to 60 in for fences up to 20 ft.
- Concrete is 2,500 psi, crowned to shed water.
The project detail governs. Soil, frost depth and wind load (for example, privacy slats or windscreen) can require larger footings.
Count by segment
Count line posts per segment between terminal posts. Don't divide the total length by the spacing, because each segment rounds up on its own.
Segments between terminals: 90 ft | 100 ft | 48 ft (250 − 12 ft gate opening = 238 LF of fabric)
90 ft ÷ 10 → 9 spaces → 8 line posts
100 ft ÷ 10 → 10 spaces → 9 line posts
48 ft ÷ 10 → 4.8 → 5 spaces → 4 line posts
Line posts = 21
Terminal posts = 2 corners + 1 end + 1 start + 2 gate posts = 6
Fabric, top rail, tension wire ≈ 238 LF (+ waste per your practice)
The original version of this example divided the total length by the spacing and got about 24 line posts. Counting by segment gives 21 here. The difference grows with every corner and gate.
Concrete math
Line post 2-3/8" OD (a common commercial size; use the spec) → dia ≥ 4 × 2.375 = 9.5 in → 10 in auger
volume = π × (5/12 ft)² × 2.5 ft ≈ 1.36 cf
Terminal post 2-7/8" OD → dia ≥ 11.5 in → 12 in auger
volume = π × (0.5 ft)² × 2.5 ft ≈ 1.96 cf
21 line + 6 terminal ≈ 28.6 + 11.8 = 40.4 cf ≈ 1.5 CY before post displacement and waste
Gate posts on wide or heavy gates usually need larger footings. F567 lists gate post requirements, and the detail may go further.
Conditions that change cost
- Rock, roots or utilities in post holes. Carry a rock allowance or an exclusion.
- Slopes: chain link racks to follow grade; panel fences (wood, vinyl, ornamental) step or need rackable panels, and posts get longer on the downhill side.
- Fence mounted on walls or curbs (core-drilled or base-plated posts) instead of footings.
- Gate operators, access control and power are often a separate scope.
- Privacy slats or windscreen raise wind load and may change the footing.
- Permits, height limits and setback rules vary by jurisdiction.
Wood, ornamental and vinyl
Wood, vinyl and ornamental metal fences are usually built from panels or sections between posts, so the takeoff counts sections of a standard width, posts, gates and hardware. Post spacing follows the panel width, which differs from chain link, and slopes may require stepped panels or rackable sections. Ornamental fences may need specific post caps, brackets and powder-coat colors that affect lead times.
| Fence type | Main takeoff units |
|---|---|
| Chain link | Fabric LF, posts, rails, tension wire, gates |
| Wood or vinyl | Panels or sections, posts, gates |
| Ornamental metal | Panels, posts, brackets, gates |
Existing fence
Price removal and disposal of existing fence by linear foot, with separate allowances for concrete post footings that must be broken out and hauled away. Note whether the owner wants any materials salvaged, and whether temporary fencing is needed to keep the site secure between removal and new installation.
Proposed runs, reviewed by you
RenderDraw's AI takeoff proposes fence runs and counts of gates and tagged items, each with the source sheet attached, for your estimator to review. Post spacing, footing sizes, terrain allowances and pricing stay with you. Get a free sample takeoff or book a demo.
Questions estimators ask.
How do you take off fencing?
Measure LF by fence type and height, split each run into segments between terminal posts, count line posts per segment, count gates with hardware, and size footings from the detail.
How many line posts do I need?
For each segment between terminal posts, divide the length by the maximum spacing and round up to get spaces. Line posts = spaces − 1.
What is the maximum chain link post spacing?
ASTM F567 sets line posts at no more than 10 ft on center, measured parallel to grade, unless the project spec says otherwise.
How deep are chain link post footings?
Under F567 the minimum is 24 in plus 3 in for each foot of fence height over 4 ft. Diameter is 4× the post OD for posts up to 4 in. The project detail and local frost depth can require more.
What is a terminal post?
An end, corner or gate post, or a post at an abrupt change in horizontal or vertical alignment.
Can RenderDraw measure fence runs?
It proposes linear runs and counts from the drawings, with the source sheet on each, for estimator review. Get a free sample takeoff.
Fence runs measured from the site plan.
Send the site set. RenderDraw proposes linear runs and counts with sources for review.
- Upload the plans, specs and schedules, plus an addendum if you have one.
- RenderDraw reviews the set and the scope you want tested.
- We follow up with extracted quantities, flagged items and next steps.
Where these numbers come from
We checked this guide against the standards, manufacturer documents and industry references below (last reviewed November 2026). Figures marked as rules of thumb are typical ranges, not requirements; your project documents, local code and your own cost history govern.
- ASTM F567-23 Standard Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence
- CLFMI security chain link specification (PDF) — restates F567 footing rules; gate posts need larger footings