Plant Spacing Calculator
Built by Johnny Alto · free, no sign-up · updated July 26, 2026
Enter your garden bed size and how far apart your plants need to be to find how many will fit. Switch to offset rows to see how a staggered, triangular layout squeezes in more plants than a plain square grid.
You can fit about0plants
Layout0rows across the bed
Spacing is measured center to center. Offset rows stagger each row so plants nestle into the gaps of the row before, which lets you set rows closer and fit roughly 15 percent more in the same bed.
How many plants fit in a bed?
Spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next. To fill a bed, divide the bed length by the plant spacing to get how many fit along a row, and divide the bed width by the row spacing to get how many rows. Multiply the two for the total. If you do not set a separate row spacing, the calculator uses the same figure in both directions for a square grid.
Choosing the right spacing matters as much as the count. Crowded plants compete for light, water, and airflow, which invites disease, while too much space wastes bed area. Use the spacing on your seed packet or plant tag as the starting point.
Square grid versus offset rows
A square grid lines plants up in neat rows and columns. An offset, or triangular, layout staggers every other row so each plant sits in the gap of the row before it. That lets you pull the rows closer together, about 87 percent of the straight-row distance, and fit roughly 15 percent more plants in the same space. It is the trick behind intensive and square-foot gardening.
Recommended gear
Garden gear to plant it out
Frequently asked questions
How many plants fit in my garden bed?
Divide the bed length by the plant spacing for the number per row, then divide the bed width by the row spacing for the number of rows, and multiply. A 96 by 48 inch bed at 12 inch spacing fits about 32 plants in a square grid.
How do I measure plant spacing?
Spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next, using the figure on the seed packet or plant tag.
What is offset or triangular spacing?
It staggers every other row so plants sit in the gaps of the row before. Rows can be set closer, about 87 percent of the straight distance, fitting roughly 15 percent more plants.
Does closer spacing give a bigger harvest?
Only up to a point. Overcrowding makes plants compete for light, water, and airflow and invites disease, so follow recommended spacing rather than cramming plants in.
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This calculator gives estimates for planning only; always confirm against your own measurements and species research. Some links are to our buying guides, which contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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