Plant Spacing Calculator

1. Enter your bed dimensions. Use length and width for rectangular beds, or switch to total area if you have already measured an irregular shape.

2. Choose a planting pattern. Square grid places plants in straight rows and columns. Triangular (staggered) offsets every other row and fits about 15% more plants in the same space.

3. Set the on-center spacing. This is the distance from the center of one plant to the center of the next. Use the reference table below the results if you are unsure what spacing to use for your plant type.

4. Enter cost per plant (optional). Add the wholesale or retail price per plant to get a material cost estimate for the job.

The calculator uses standard landscape design spacing formulas:

In triangular spacing, the row-to-row distance is reduced by a factor of 0.866 (the sine of 60 degrees). Each alternate row is offset by half the plant spacing, creating a more uniform coverage pattern. This is the preferred method for mass plantings and groundcover where full canopy closure is the goal.

On-center (OC) spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next, not from edge to edge. Always check the plant tag for the mature spread and use that as your minimum spacing distance.

Estimating plant quantities for bids. Walk the property, measure the beds, and get an exact plant count before calling the nursery. Accurate counts mean fewer trips and no wasted material sitting on-site.

Designing new landscape beds. Use the density output to compare different spacing options. Tighter spacing means faster fill-in but higher upfront cost. Wider spacing saves money but takes longer to fill in. Show the client both options.

Ordering for commercial projects. Large commercial plantings can require hundreds or thousands of plants. Getting the count right prevents costly reorders and project delays. Switch between square and triangular patterns to optimize coverage for the design.