Hoop House Calculator
Use this hoop house calculator to estimate the surface area, heating load, and material cost of a gable-style hoop house or small greenhouse. Enter the length, width, and wall heights, then the calculator estimates how much cover material you need and how much heat loss to expect in colder weather.
Result
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What This Hoop House Calculator Helps You Do
Use this hoop house calculator to estimate the surface area, heating load, and material cost of a gable-style hoop house or small greenhouse. Enter the length, width, and wall heights, then the calculator estimates how much cover material you need and how much heat loss to expect in colder weather.
How to Calculate Hoop House Calculator
- Measure the frame - Enter the length, width, sidewall height, and peak height of the hoop house frame.
- Estimate cover area - The calculator uses the frame dimensions to estimate the surface area of the cover material.
- Set the heating inputs - Enter the indoor and outdoor temperatures and the heat-loss coefficient if you want a heater estimate.
- Add material cost - Use the material cost field if you want to estimate the cover budget in addition to the area.
Hoop House Calculator Formula
| Symbol | Definition | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| length | Hoop house length | m |
| width | Hoop house width | m |
| sidewallHeight | Sidewall height | m |
| totalHeight | Total height at the roof peak | m |
| materialCost | Cover material cost per square meter | $/m2 |
| heatLossCoeff | Heat loss coefficient | W/m2K |
| insideTemp | Target indoor temperature | C |
| outsideTemp | Design outdoor temperature | C |
| efficiency | Heating efficiency factor | % |
Worked Examples
- length: 10
- width: 8
- sidewallHeight: 2.2
- totalHeight: 3.0
- materialCost: 18
- heatLossCoeff: 1.2
- insideTemp: 18
- outsideTemp: -5
- efficiency: 90
Result: Surface area = 167.18 m2
This is a practical cover estimate for a small gable greenhouse. The estimate is 167.18 m2.
- length: 12
- width: 6
- sidewallHeight: 2.0
- totalHeight: 2.8
- materialCost: 16
- heatLossCoeff: 1.1
- insideTemp: 16
- outsideTemp: 0
- efficiency: 90
Result: Heating load = 29.59 W
The temperature difference drives the heater size more than the frame length does. The estimate is 29.59 W.
- length: 15
- width: 7
- sidewallHeight: 2.1
- totalHeight: 3.1
- materialCost: 14
- heatLossCoeff: 1.0
- insideTemp: 18
- outsideTemp: -2
- efficiency: 90
Result: Material cost = 2920.42 $
A longer greenhouse increases the cover budget even when the roof pitch stays the same. The estimate is 2920.42 $.
- length: 20
- width: 9
- sidewallHeight: 2.4
- totalHeight: 3.4
- materialCost: 20
- heatLossCoeff: 1.3
- insideTemp: 20
- outsideTemp: 5
- efficiency: 85
Result: Heating load = 76.30 W
A larger structure needs more heating power because the surface area grows quickly. The estimate is 76.30 W.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Range | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 m2 | Small hoop house | A single roll of cover may be enough, depending on overlaps. |
| 100 to 300 m2 | Medium hoop house | Check roll widths and framing spacing before you order material. |
| 300 to 800 m2 | Large hoop house | Plan your heating zones and delivery schedule carefully. |
| Above 800 m2 | Commercial size | Use a detailed greenhouse design and cost plan before purchase. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Last reviewed: March 2026