How this calculator works
In a square grid each plant occupies spacing × spacing. In a triangular (staggered) grid, rows sit closer together — 0.866 × spacing apart — so about 15% more plants fit while keeping the same distance between neighbors.
Square: Plants = Area (sq in) ÷ Spacing²
Triangular: Plants = Area (sq in) ÷ (Spacing² × 0.866)
Assumptions and tips
- Spacing on plant tags is center to center at mature size.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 ft |
| Width | 4 ft |
| Plant spacing | 12 in |
| Pattern | Triangular / staggered |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Plants needed | 47 plants |
| Plants per sq ft | 1.15 |
| Bed area | 40 sq ft |
Step by step:
- Area = 10 × 4 × 144 = 5,760 sq in
- Space per plant = 12² × 0.866 = 124.7 sq in
- Plants = 5,760 ÷ 124.7 → 47
Plants per 100 sq ft by spacing
Triangular (staggered) planting.
| Spacing | Plants needed |
|---|---|
| 6 in | 462 plants |
| 8 in | 260 plants |
| 12 in | 116 plants |
| 18 in | 52 plants |
| 24 in | 29 plants |
| 36 in | 13 plants |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spacing by today’s pot size instead of mature size.
Frequently asked questions
Why use triangular spacing?
It fills ground cover faster and looks more natural, using about 15% more plants than a square grid.