Set your bed dimensions
For an approximate square planting grid. Enter the usable area, excluding paths and access space.
How the estimate works
Plant quantity = usable bed area ÷ spacing², rounded up. Spacing is converted to metres or feet first. This does not draw individual positions, choose edge setbacks or check the final row arrangement.
How to use this tool
- Measure the planting area after subtracting paths, access gaps and space already occupied.
- Choose metres and centimetres or feet and inches. Enter the spacing recommended for your actual plant and cultivar.
- Compare the estimate with a marked-out layout before ordering plants. Adjust for edges, staggered rows and mixed planting.
A 3 × 2 metre bed at 40 centimetre centres
The usable area is 6 m². At 40 cm spacing, each square-grid position represents 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.16 m². Dividing 6 by 0.16 gives 37.5, rounded up to an estimate of 38 plants. This is an area calculation: it does not prove that 38 positions will fit inside your particular boundary.
What the result means
A small reduction in spacing can increase the quantity sharply because spacing is squared. Keep the mature plant requirements in charge of the calculation. A border containing shrubs, perennials and existing plants needs separate areas or a drawn layout rather than one spacing applied to everything.
Questions before you start
Does this draw exact rows?
No. It divides usable area by the square of the spacing. It does not place individual centres, set an edge setback or count rows. For a narrow bed or a final purchase list, mark the planting positions on the ground.
Can I use this for staggered planting?
The result is based on a square grid. A staggered or triangular layout has different geometry. Use the output as a comparison, not an exact count for those arrangements.
Put it in context
Use these guides alongside the tool for the choices a calculation or decision form cannot make for you.