Calculator
Example data table
| Scenario | Rail | Hooks | End margin | Hook width | Target clearance | Typical spacing outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden shed coats & aprons | 120 cm | 6 | 10 cm | 4 cm | 6 cm | About 20 cm center spacing |
| Tool handles & watering cans | 36 in | 5 | 2 in | 1.25 in | 1.5 in | About 8 in center spacing |
| Kids raincoats by greenhouse door | 900 mm | 7 | 60 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | About 130 mm center spacing |
Formula used
The calculator places hooks evenly by using center-to-center spacing.
- UsableLength = RailLength − 2 × EndMargin
- If hooks > 1: Spacing = UsableLength ÷ (Hooks − 1)
- Hook center positions: EndMargin + i × Spacing for i = 0…Hooks−1
- Clearance estimate: Clearance = Spacing − HookWidth
Clearance helps you judge crowding when bulky coats, gloves, or garden aprons share a rail.
How to use this calculator
- Measure your mounting rail length in one unit system.
- Pick the number of hooks you want on the rail.
- Set end margins to keep hooks away from edges.
- Enter hook width and a minimum clearance target.
- Press Submit to get spacing and center mark positions.
- Download CSV for records or PDF for workshop printing.
Why spacing matters in garden zones
In sheds, greenhouses, and mud rooms, hooks handle damp coats, aprons, gloves, and tote bags. When hooks sit too close, fabric bunches, items dry slowly, and metal hardware rubs. Practical layouts often keep light garments at 15–25 cm center spacing, while bulky jackets or rain gear work better at 25–35 cm.
Choosing rail length and hook count
Start with the usable wall span, then select a rail length that leaves room for door swing and tool racks. A quick planning target is one hook per person plus two utility hooks for hats, twine, or spray bottles. If the calculator shows tight clearance, reduce hook count, extend the rail, or split into two shorter rails.
Margins, spacing, and clearance targets
End margins protect edges and keep hangers from twisting off the rail. A common range is 5–10% of rail length per side, adjusted for corner trim. The calculator uses even center-to-center spacing, then estimates clearance as spacing minus hook width. For comfortable reach and airflow, many setups aim for clearance at least 1.5× the hook width, or a minimum of 4–8 cm.
Installation and load planning
For long-term reliability in humid garden spaces, choose coated steel or stainless hardware. Mount into studs when possible, using screws that penetrate 50–65 mm into solid framing. Distribute heavy loads by reserving wider spacing for watering cans and tool belts, and keep frequently used hooks at 150–170 cm height for adults or 120–140 cm for children.
Recordkeeping and repeatable layouts
Consistent spacing helps when you expand storage later. Download the CSV for measurements you can reuse on a second rail, and print the PDF for the workshop. Mark centers from the left end, pre-drill, then test one hook before drilling the rest. This reduces cumulative measuring errors and keeps the row visually straight.
FAQs
What if I only want hooks on the center portion of the rail?
Increase the end margin value until the usable length matches the section you want populated. The calculator will redistribute hooks evenly within that usable span.
How do I pick a good minimum clearance target?
Measure the widest item you hang. Aim for at least 4–8 cm between hooks for garments, or about 1.5× your hook width for bulky rain gear and gloves.
Does the calculator account for hook base plates?
It uses your entered hook width as the crowding indicator. If your hook has a wide base plate, enter that widest dimension for a more realistic clearance estimate.
Why are center positions measured from the left rail end?
A single reference edge keeps marking consistent. Measuring from one end reduces accumulated errors compared with hopping between adjacent marks.
Can I mount hooks in masonry or metal framing?
Yes. Use suitable anchors for brick or concrete, or toggle/metal-stud anchors for light-gauge framing. Keep margins generous and verify load ratings before drilling.
What is the fastest way to transfer marks to the wall?
Use painter’s tape along the mounting line, mark centers on the tape, then drill through it. The tape helps visibility and reduces surface chipping.