Plant spacing calculator

This garden calculator works out how many plants, seedlings, or bulbs you can fit into a bed at a chosen spacing. Enter the size of your bed and the recommended spacing between plants, choose a square or triangular layout, and it gives the total number of plants, the rows, and the planting density per square metre.

Square vs triangular spacing

A square grid is the simplest layout — plants line up in straight rows and columns. A triangular (offset) layout staggers each row so plants nestle into the gaps, fitting roughly 15% more plants into the same space while keeping the same minimum distance between them. It is a great way to make the most of a small bed.

Getting spacing right

Always follow the spacing on the seed packet or plant label — overcrowding reduces airflow and yields. Once you know how many plants you need, prepare the bed with the right amount of soil using our garden soil calculator, and feed them with help from the fertiliser calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How many plants per square metre at 30 cm spacing?

About 11 plants per m² in a square grid, or around 13 with triangular spacing.