About this calculator
Number of plants to fill a bed or ground-cover area at a given spacing.
How it’s calculated
Square grid: area ÷ spacing². Triangular: area ÷ (spacing² × 0.866), which fits about 15% more plants and covers ground faster.
Worked example
With these inputs:
- Area shape
- Rectangle
- Length
- 20 ft
- Width
- 4 ft
- Plant spacing
- 12 in
- Pattern
- Triangular (staggered)
the result is:
- Plants needed
- 93 plants
- Bed area
- 80 sq ft
Tips from the trade
- For hedges, use a run of 1 for the width and count along the length instead.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and local building codes before ordering.