🏡 Hoop House Calculator
Calculate materials needed for building a hoop house
Length of hoop house
Width (span) of hoop house
Height to top of hoop
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Dimensions
Input the length, width, and height of your hoop house in inches. Length is the long dimension, width is the span (hoop width), and height is the height to the top of the hoop.
Select Hoop Spacing
Choose the spacing between hoops (typically 3-4 feet). Closer spacing provides more strength but requires more materials. Standard spacing is 4 feet (48 inches).
Choose Cover Material
Select the cover material you'll use: Plastic Sheeting (economical), Polycarbonate (durable), or Greenhouse Film (specialized). Different materials have different costs.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Hoop House" to see cover material needed, number of hoops, ground area, pipe diameter, and estimated costs. Use this for material ordering and budgeting.
Formula
Number of Hoops = (Length ÷ Hoop Spacing) + 1
Hoop Radius = Width ÷ 2
Arc Length = π × Radius (for semi-circle)
Surface Area = 2π × Radius × Length + π × Radius²
Cover Material = Surface Area × 1.20 (with 20% waste)
Example 1: 20 ft × 12 ft Hoop House, 4 ft Hoop Spacing
Step 1: Number of hoops: (20 ÷ 4) + 1 = 6 hoops
Step 2: Hoop radius: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 feet
Step 3: Arc length: π × 6 = 18.85 feet
Step 4: Surface area: 2π × 6 × 20 + π × 6² = 754 + 113 = 867 sq ft
Step 5: Cover material: 867 × 1.20 = 1,040 sq ft (with waste)
Example 2: 30 ft × 16 ft Hoop House, 3 ft Hoop Spacing
Step 1: Number of hoops: (30 ÷ 3) + 1 = 11 hoops
Step 2: Ground area: 30 × 16 = 480 sq ft
Step 3: Surface area: ~1,200 sq ft
About Hoop House Calculator
The Hoop House Calculator is an essential tool for gardeners, farmers, and homesteaders who need to calculate materials and costs for building a hoop house or greenhouse. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise material calculations based on dimensions, hoop spacing, and cover material, helping you plan and budget your hoop house project accurately.
When to Use This Calculator
- Hoop House Planning: Calculate materials needed for new hoop house construction
- Greenhouse Building: Determine materials and costs for greenhouse projects
- Budget Planning: Estimate costs for hoop house materials and construction
- Material Ordering: Order materials accurately based on hoop house size
- Design Planning: Plan hoop house dimensions and spacing for optimal design
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Calculations: Precise calculations for materials and costs
- ✅ Multiple Materials: Supports different cover materials (plastic, polycarbonate, greenhouse film)
- ✅ Hoop Spacing: Calculates number of hoops based on spacing
- ✅ Cost Estimation: Provides estimated costs based on material choices
- ✅ Comprehensive Results: Shows cover material, hoops, ground area, and pipe diameter
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
Common Applications
Season Extension: Gardeners use hoop houses to extend growing seasons by protecting crops from frost and cold weather. This calculator helps determine the right size and materials needed for season extension.
Greenhouse Alternative: Hoop houses provide a more economical alternative to traditional greenhouses. This calculator helps plan hoop house projects and estimate costs compared to permanent structures.
Crop Protection: Farmers use hoop houses to protect crops from pests, weather, and environmental factors. This calculator helps plan protection structures for various crop sizes.
Tips for Best Results
- Add Waste: Always add 20% extra for cover material for overlap and waste
- Hoop Spacing: Standard spacing is 3-4 feet; closer spacing provides more strength
- Wind Loads: Consider wind loads for your area; may need closer hoop spacing or stronger materials
- Snow Loads: Consider snow loads for your area; may need steeper roofs or stronger hoops
- Check Codes: Always check local building codes for hoop house requirements
- Foundation: Plan for foundation or base board installation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a hoop house?
Costs vary by size and materials. A small 12' × 20' hoop house typically costs $500-1,500, while larger structures can cost $2,000-5,000 or more. The calculator provides cost estimates based on your dimensions and material choices.
How far apart should hoops be spaced?
Standard hoop spacing is 3-4 feet (36-48 inches). Closer spacing (2-3 feet) provides more strength for wind and snow loads but requires more materials. Wider spacing (4-5 feet) is more economical but may need stronger hoops for stability.
What size pipe should I use for hoops?
Pipe size depends on span width: 3/4" for spans up to 12 ft, 1" for spans up to 16 ft, 1.25" for spans up to 20 ft, and 1.5" for spans over 20 ft. The calculator recommends pipe diameter based on your span width.
What cover material should I use?
Plastic sheeting is economical but less durable (1-3 years). Polycarbonate is durable (10+ years) but expensive. Greenhouse film is specialized for greenhouses (3-5 years). Choose based on budget and durability needs.
Do I need a permit for a hoop house?
Permit requirements vary by location. Temporary structures may not need permits, but permanent structures typically do. Always check local building codes and zoning regulations before construction.
How long does a hoop house last?
Lifespan depends on materials: plastic sheeting (1-3 years), greenhouse film (3-5 years), polycarbonate (10+ years). Hoops themselves can last 10-20 years if properly maintained. Regular maintenance extends lifespan significantly.