Calculate how many plants per square foot you need for landscaping. Supports metric & imperial units, plant spacing, and cost estimation. Easy, accurate results.
Enter your measurements above to see the results.
First, convert plant spacing to metres (if metric) or feet (if imperial). Calculate how many plants fit in one square metre or square foot by dividing 1 by the square of the plant spacing (in metres or feet). Multiply this by the total area to get the total number of plants needed (rounded up). Then multiply by the cost per plant to get the total cost.
Unit system: Metric; Area: 10 m²; Plant spacing: 30 cm; Cost per plant: £2.50. Spacing in metres = 0.3 m. Plants per m² = 1 / (0.3 × 0.3) = 11.11. Total plants = 10 × 11.11 = 111.1 → 112 (rounded up). Total cost = 112 × £2.50 = £280.00.
To determine how many plants you need, measure your planting area and decide your desired spacing between plants. This calculator uses your spacing to estimate the number of plants that will fit per square foot or square metre, giving you an accurate total for your project.
Plant spacing varies by species; for example, vegetables like basil may be spaced 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart, while shrubs may need 60-90 cm (24-36 in). Always check recommended spacing for your chosen plants to ensure healthy growth and the look you want.
Budgeting is easy with the built-in cost calculator. Just enter your cost per plant and select your currency to see the total project cost instantly. Adjust plant spacing to see how it affects both quantity and cost.
This tool supports both metric and imperial measurements. Enter your area in square metres or square feet, and plant spacing in centimetres or inches, for seamless calculations anywhere in the world.
For more landscaping help, try our Square Footage Calculator or Landscaping Cost Estimator. These tools can help you plan every aspect of your garden or outdoor project.
The number of plants per square foot depends on the plant's recommended spacing. For example, small plants like carrots or radishes can be planted 16 per square foot, while larger plants like tomatoes may only fit one per square foot. Always refer to plant-specific spacing guidelines.
Pepper plants are typically spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart, so you can plant one pepper plant per square foot in square foot gardening.
Basil is usually spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart. You can plant up to 4 basil plants per square foot if you use closer spacing, but 1–2 is more common for optimal growth.
Cucumbers require more space, usually one plant per two square feet. For bush varieties, one per square foot may be possible, but vining types need more room to spread.
Indoors, plant density depends on species, container size, and available light. As a rule, use the same spacing recommendations as outdoor planting, but ensure each plant has enough space and light to thrive.
