Chain Link Fence Estimate Calculator: How to Measure & Price Your Fence Using ArcSite

Estimating Chain Link Fences Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Quoting fence jobs—especially chain link fences—can get messy fast. Every project has different lengths, gate types, post spacing, material costs, and sometimes unclear expectations from homeowners. If you're still using pen and paper, generic spreadsheets, or outdated forms, you're likely spending too much time quoting... and not enough time closing.

That’s where the ArcSite app becomes your Chain Link Fence Estimate Calculator. It’s more than just a calculator—it’s a visual estimating system that lets you draw your fence lines, drop in gates and posts, and generate instant, accurate pricing on the spot.

Whether you’re brand new to ArcSite or exploring ways to improve your quoting process, this guide will break down:

• How ArcSite calculates chain link fence pricing
• The two ways you can build your estimating library (simple vs detailed)
• How to use ArcSite in the field to quote faster and look more professional

The Real Problem with Fence Estimates Today

Let’s face it: Most fence contractors build estimates manually—and that’s risky. You can:

• Forget a gate or terminal post
• Miscount material quantities
• Miscommunicate what’s included with a client
• Or worse… underquote the job entirely

Even online fence calculators can’t solve this, because they don’t adapt to real‑world job sites. You need a system that works how you work—onsite, hands‑on, and fast.

ArcSite’s Chain Link Fence Estimate Calculator: A Better Way to Build & Price Jobs

With ArcSite, you don’t need to guess at how many line posts, corner posts, feet of chain link fabric, or fittings you’ll need. You draw your fence layout directly on your iPad or tablet, and ArcSite calculates the rest.

Depending on your needs, you can set up your estimating environment in one of two ways, both explained below, however you can watch a demo to see how easily chainlink fences can be estimated in ArcSite:

More about ArcSite for Fencing Pros ->

Option 1: “Linear Foot” Pricing Setup (Quick & Simple)

This approach is perfect if you don’t need to break out every nut, bolt, or rail cap. Instead, you assign a price per foot (and per gate), and ArcSite uses your drawing to calculate total cost.

Ideal for:
✅ Fast quotes
✅ Smaller jobs
✅ Pros who want to move quickly with fewer details

How it works in ArcSite:

• You draw your fence line (ArcSite auto-calculates total linear footage)
• Drop gates or end posts as shapes
• ArcSite calculates total pricing based on your set per-foot and per-item rates
• Generate a branded proposal on the spot

Option 2: Full Setup with Bundles & Materials (More Detailed, Most Accurate)

For contractors who want full takeoffs and precise cost breakdowns, this is your go-to. You create “bundles” that contain all the parts for each fence type: chain link mesh, tension wire, top rail, caps, brackets, line posts, and more.

Ideal for:
✅ Material takeoffs
✅ Job costing
✅ Teams ordering product or tracking inventory

How it works in ArcSite:

• Set up products (like line posts, top rail, or fittings)
• Combine those into bundles for each fence type (e.g., “6’ Residential Chain Link – Black Vinyl”)
• Use product groups for upgrades like post caps or color options
• Draw your job and ArcSite calculates every part needed for that specific layout

Bonus: You can even set pricing rules, like cost per hole dug, or labor hours per post installed.

Example: Quoting a Residential Chain Link Fence in ArcSite

Let’s say you’re quoting a 60-foot black chain link fence with a 4’ walk gate and a terminal post at each end. You open ArcSite on your iPad and:

1. Draw a 60' line on your canvas
2. Drop a gate at the midpoint
3. Drop a terminal post at each end
4. Select the appropriate bundle from your library
5. Review the instant cost breakdown (material + labor)
6. Add any extras (like optional barbed wire or privacy slats)
7. Generate the proposal and send it to your client

All in under 10 minutes.

More about ArcSite for Fencing Pros ->

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Making the Setup Easy: ArcSite’s Fence Setup

If this sounds like a lot to set up, it’s not. ArcSite’s team will help you in the process of importing your product and pricing library with as little friction as possible.

The process often includes:

• Setting up spreadsheets to bulk import products and pricing
• Fill in your chain link product names, costs, and SKUs
• Upload it to ArcSite
• You review, edit, and go

This gives you a working estimate system without needing a technical degree.

Don’t Forget Labor and Custom Calculations

Your estimate isn’t complete without labor and overhead. In ArcSite, labor can be added just like a product—per foot, per post, per job, or even as a flat fee. You can also:

• Set quantity conversion rules (e.g., 1 tension band per foot)
• Avoid overcounting pickets or panels by rounding up logically
• Include options and upgrades (like post caps or coatings) as toggleable extras

Why Contractors Choose ArcSite’s Chain Link Estimating Tools

✔️ Fast and visual: Draw and quote in minutes
✔️ Accurate: Material breakdowns and pricing baked in
✔️ Professional: Branded proposals with diagrams and clear scope
✔️ Flexible: Works for small jobs or commercial projects
✔️ Mobile: Works in the field—no back office needed

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“The very first day that I was using ArcSite in the field, I was able to close a $42,000 job in about 45 minutes. That process before would take anywhere from two to three hours minimum.”

Nick Birchoff
Lead Estimator
Nevada Fence

Read case study ->

Start Quoting Chain Link Jobs the Right Way

If you’ve been relying on manual calculations, old spreadsheets, or verbal estimates—ArcSite is your step up.

With the ArcSite as the Chain Link Fence Estimate Calculator, you can:
✅ Measure with precision
✅ Price with confidence
✅ Win more jobs with better proposals

Get a personalized demo and free trial for your team

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