Tree Spacing Calculator (trees that fit a plot, grid or staggered rows, trees per hectare)

Understanding the tree spacing calculator — concept and principle

This calculator works out how many trees fit on a rectangular plot for a chosen row spacing, spacing within the row and setback from the boundary, in a square grid or a staggered layout. It also gives the planting density per hectare and per acre. Use it to plan an orchard, a windbreak, a woodlot or a row of street trees.

A row with n gaps has n + 1 trees, so add one after dividing.

How it is calculated

Usable length = plot length − 2 × setback; usable width = plot width − 2 × setback

Rows = ⌊usable width ÷ row spacing⌋ + 1

Trees per row = ⌊usable length ÷ in-row spacing⌋ + 1

Grid total = rows × trees per row

Staggered: every second row is shifted half a space and may hold one tree fewer.
Trees per hectare = 10,000 m² ÷ (row spacing × in-row spacing); 1 acre = 4,046.8564224 m².
⌊ ⌋ means rounding down.

The principle

This is the fence-post rule: a line with n gaps has n + 1 posts, because there is a post at both ends. The outer trees stand exactly on the setback line, so you divide the usable length by the spacing, round down to whole gaps, and add one. The same applies across the rows. Density per hectare ignores edges and uses only the area each tree occupies, row spacing times in-row spacing; that is the figure orchard and forestry guides quote. On a small plot the edge trees make the real count higher than area × density.

Worked example

Default inputs: metric, plot 60 × 40 m, rows 6 m apart, trees 5 m apart, setback 2 m, grid.

Usable area = (60 − 4) × (40 − 4) = 56 × 36 m = 2,016 m².
Rows = ⌊36 ÷ 6⌋ + 1 = 7.
Trees in a row = ⌊56 ÷ 5⌋ + 1 = 11 + 1 = 12.
Total = 7 × 12 = 84 trees.
Area per tree = 6 × 5 = 30 m²; density = 10,000 ÷ 30 = 333 per hectare, or 4,046.86 ÷ 30 = 135 per acre.

Each point is the calculator re-run with only “Spacing between trees in a row (m or ft)” changed; the gold point is the default example. Change the inputs above and this chart follows your numbers.

Spacing between trees in a row (m or ft)	Trees to plant
1.25	315
2.5	161
3.75	105
5	84
6.25	63
7.5	56
10	42

How to read the result

Choose spacing from the mature crown width of your species and the space machinery needs between rows, not from how small the saplings are. A 6 × 5 m grid suits many standard fruit trees; dwarf orchards may be planted much closer, and timber trees vary widely. A staggered layout spreads trees more evenly but leaves a less regular path for mowers. Check rules on distance from boundaries, buildings and services.

Common mistakes

Dividing the length by the spacing and forgetting the extra tree at the end.
Forgetting the setback on both sides.
Using density × plot area for a small plot, which ignores edges.
Planting to sapling size and crowding the trees later.

Keep in mind: The count is pure geometry. Soil, slope, drainage, underground services and local rules on boundary distances can change what is possible.

Frequently asked questions

How many trees per hectare at 4 × 4 m?

10,000 ÷ 16 = 625 trees per hectare.

Is a staggered layout better?

It can give each tree a more even share of light and space, but a grid is easier to mow and harvest.

How far from the fence should trees be?

It depends on the species and local rules. Allow for the mature crown width so branches and roots stay on your side, and check any local boundary rules.

Sources: 1 acre = 4,046.8564224 m² (exact), NIST SP 811; 1 ha = 10,000 m²

Checked 9 Nov 2026. Layout geometry (fence-post counting: n gaps need n + 1 trees); density = 10,000 m² per hectare ÷ area per tree, 1 acre = 4,046.8564224 m² (exact). Plot size, spacing and setback are example values.

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