Row spacing is the center-to-center distance between adjacent plant rows. For example, 12-inch row spacing means the center of one row is 12 inches from the center of the next row. Seed packets typically give this measurement under "row spacing" or "space between rows."

How does the calculator count rows?

The count equals floor(bed length ÷ row spacing). The rows are then centered, so the unused length is split into equal margins before the first and after the last row.

What are typical row spacings for common vegetables?

Carrots and radishes: 12 in. Lettuce and spinach: 12–14 in. Onions: 12 in. Bush beans: 18–24 in. Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli): 18–24 in. Tomatoes and peppers: 36 in. Corn: 30–36 in. Always follow the spacing on your seed packet as it varies by variety.

What is the difference between row spacing and plant spacing?

Row spacing is the distance between rows (across the bed). Plant spacing (in-row spacing) is the distance between individual plants within the same row (along the bed). This calculator focuses on row spacing — the number of rows that fit across the bed width.

Can I use this for raised beds?

Yes. Enter the width of your raised bed as the bed length (since rows run across the width). Use the same method for in-ground beds, allotment strips, or any rectangular planting area.

Why does the first and last row not sit right at the edge?

Planting at the very edge leaves roots with nowhere to spread on one side, reducing yield. The standard practice is to offset the first row by half the row spacing from each edge, centering the entire pattern. The calculator shows this offset as "edge gap" in the results.

Row Spacing Calculator

Enter your bed length and row spacing to instantly see how many rows fit, total bed coverage, and a visual row layout diagram.

Bed & Row Settings

Measurement Unit

Bed Measurements

Bed length (in)

Direction rows run across (the dimension rows span).

Bed width (in) (optional, for area)

Row spacing (in)

Center-to-center distance between adjacent rows.

Common Row Spacings

Spacings in inches. Click to apply.

Enter your bed length and row spacing, then click Calculate.

Summary

The Row Spacing Calculator tells you exactly how many plant rows fit in a garden bed of any length given your desired spacing between rows. Enter the bed length, choose your row spacing, and the tool calculates the total row count, the distance from the first to last row, unused space at each end, and the area each row covers. A visual diagram shows every row to scale so you can plan your planting layout before you pick up a shovel.

How it works

Enter your garden bed length (the direction rows run across).
Enter the desired spacing between rows (center-to-center distance).
Optionally enter bed width to get per-row area and full bed area.
Choose inches or centimeters for all measurements.
Click Calculate to see row count, spacing summary, and a visual layout.
Use the plant preset buttons to auto-fill common vegetable row spacings.

Use cases

Plan how many rows of vegetables fit in a new garden bed.
Compare tight vs. wide row spacings before committing to a layout.
Calculate row count for raised beds, in-ground plots, or allotment strips.
Estimate how many different crops can share one long bed.
Teach proper row spacing when starting a school or community garden.
Cross-check seed packet row spacing recommendations against your bed.
Lay out rows for direct-sown crops like carrots, beets, and beans.
Plan companion planting by seeing how many alternating rows fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu