Mesh size of chain link fence fabric shall be determined by measuring the minimum clear distance between the wires forming the parallel sides of mesh, and determined as the average of two readings taken at right angles to each other. This is an important factor of how much steel is used. The smaller the mesh opening, the more steel is used. Commonly, 2-1/8″, 2″ and 1-3/4″ are recommended for residential chain link fence, while 2″ and smaller opening are for commercial fence. 5/8″, 1/2″ and 3/8″ are typically used for high security requirements