About the plant spacing calculator
Spacing recommendations on seed packets and plant tags tell you how far apart plants should be, but not how many will fit in your bed. This calculator lays them out for you.
A square grid lines plants up in rows and columns. An offset, or triangular, pattern staggers alternate rows by half a spacing, which often fits a few more plants while keeping the same distance between neighbors.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the bed’s length and width.
- Choose a square grid or offset pattern.
- Enter the plant spacing from the seed packet or tag. For grids, optionally enter a different row spacing.
- Add a price per plant to estimate cost.
Worked examples
- Grid: 8 × 4 = 32 plants
- Offset: 4 rows (8, 7, 8, 7)
32 plants in a grid; 30 in an offset pattern for this narrow bed.
Measurement guidance
Which pattern fits more?
Offset planting fits more plants in wide beds. In narrow beds the shorter staggered rows can cancel out the gain, so compare both.
Spacing vs. row spacing
Many vegetables list both. In raised beds, gardeners often use the in-row spacing in both directions.
Frequently asked questions
What spacing should I use?
Use the spacing on your seed packet or plant tag. It accounts for the plant’s mature size.
Does triangular spacing really fit more plants?
In larger areas, yes — roughly 15% more for the same spacing. In small or narrow beds the difference can be small or even negative.
Should I plant closer to save space?
Slightly closer spacing can work in rich soil, but crowding reduces airflow and can increase disease and lower yields.