Plant Spacing Calculator — How Many Plants Do You Need?
Enter your area and plant spacing, and pick a square or triangular layout, to get how many plants you need.
As an Amazon Associate this site may earn from qualifying purchases.
How it works
plants = floor(area × pattern factor ÷ (spacing_ft)²); square = 1, triangular ≈ 1.1547
Plants per 100 sq ft by spacing (square grid)
| Spacing | Plants per sq ft | Per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in | 4 | 400 |
| 8 in | 2.25 | 225 |
| 12 in | 1 | 100 |
| 18 in | 0.44 | 44 |
| 24 in | 0.25 | 25 |
Square-grid spacing. A triangular (staggered) layout fits about 15% more plants for the same spacing. Counts assume a rectangular area with no border allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How many plants do I need per square foot?
At 12-inch spacing you get 1 plant per square foot; at 6 inches, 4 per square foot; at 18 inches, about 0.44 (one plant per ~2.25 sq ft). Divide your area by the spacing in feet, squared.
What is the difference between square and triangular spacing?
Square (grid) spacing lines plants up in straight rows. Triangular (staggered) spacing offsets every other row and fits about 15% more plants in the same area at the same plant-to-plant distance — popular for ground covers and mass plantings.
How far apart should I space ground cover?
Most spreading ground covers go 8–12 inches apart; faster spreaders can go 12–18 inches. Closer spacing fills in sooner but needs more plants — use the calculator to compare.