Calculator Inputs
Tip: use realistic clearances for posts, railings, and plant pots.
Example Data Table
Use these sample values to see how the settings change capacity.
| Scenario | Shape | Size | Buffers | Seating | Table | Estimated seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden dinner | Square | 3.0 m side | 25 cm edge, 80 cm walkway | Dining chair 48×52 cm | Round 120 cm + 60 cm ring | 6–8 |
| Tea corner | Circle | 3.5 m diameter | 20 cm edge, 75 cm walkway | Dining chair 46×50 cm | Round 110 cm + 55 cm ring | 6–10 |
| Bench lounge | Octagon | 2.2 m side | 30 cm edge, 90 cm walkway | Bench segment 55×45 cm | No table | 10–14 |
Your exact result depends on packing factor and reserved zones.
Formula Used
- Areas: rectangle = L×W, square = S², circle = πR², octagon = 2(1+√2)a².
- Perimeters: rectangle = 2(L+W), square = 4S, circle = 2πR, octagon = 8a.
- Buffering: inner shape uses (edge clearance + walkway) as a uniform inward offset.
- Available area: inner area − table zone − reserved zones.
- Seat module: (seat width + side spacing) × (seat depth + front clearance).
- Area seats: floor(available area × efficiency ÷ seat module area).
- Perimeter seats: floor((inner perimeter − entrance) × usage ÷ module width).
- Mixed mode: perimeter seats first, then fill the remaining area.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the gazebo shape and enter the matching dimensions.
- Set edge clearance and walkway width for safe movement.
- Choose seating type and enter realistic chair or bench sizes.
- Enable a table if you want dining, then set its size and ring.
- Add reserved and obstruction areas for planters, posts, or heaters.
- Click calculate, then adjust packing for roomy or dense layouts.
- Download CSV or PDF to share with your garden planner.
Seat footprint benchmarks
Capacity follows the seat module: (seat width + side spacing) × (seat depth + front clearance). Dining chairs often fit 45–55 cm wide and 50–60 cm deep, while benches are modeled as a per-person segment. Lounge chairs are larger, so the same gazebo may lose several seats when you switch to lounge dimensions.
Circulation and edge buffers
The usable seating zone is reduced by edge clearance plus a walkway ring. For easy passing, plan 75–90 cm walkway; for compact use, 60–70 cm can work with light traffic. Keep 15–30 cm edge clearance to protect posts, pots, and rails.
Table zone sizing with clearances
Tables require a clearance ring for chairs and movement. Round zones use πr² with (radius + clearance). Rectangular zones expand both sides by 2×clearance. If the table zone approaches two thirds of inner area, scale down the table or ring.
Perimeter versus open-area seating
Perimeter seating uses boundary length but loses space at corners and entrances. Open-area seating is flexible, yet it needs a sensible packing factor to avoid blocked flow. Mixed mode usually matches real garden use: clear center space with practical seating around it. Entrance width reduces perimeter seats; increase perimeter usage only if corners are clear and access stays safe.
Reserved zones, features, and example data
Subtract grills, heaters, storage, or large pots using reserved and obstruction areas. Start with packing near 0.82, then refine after a quick tape-on-floor test. Example inputs (meters/cm): square 3.0 m, edge 25, walkway 80, dining 48×52, spacing 10, front 35, round table 120 with 60 ring, reserved 0.30 m². Typical output: 6–8 seats.
- Circle 3.5 m diameter, edge 20, walkway 75, dining 46×50, round 110 with 55 ring → ~6–10 seats.
- Rectangle 4.0×3.0 m, edge 25, walkway 80, bench 55×45, no table → ~10–16 seats.
FAQs
1) Why do I get fewer seats than expected?
Large walkways, table clearances, and reserved zones reduce usable area. Lower spacing or front clearance, or increase gazebo size, to raise capacity without crowding.
2) What packing factor should I choose?
Use 0.70 for roomy conversation seating, 0.82 for balanced dining, and up to 0.90 for tight event layouts. Higher values assume disciplined placement and minimal extra decor.
3) Should I prioritize perimeter seating?
Perimeter seating is strong for small gazebos and clear center space. If you need a table or flexible flow, mixed mode usually performs better.
4) How is the table zone calculated?
The calculator adds a clearance ring around the table. Round zones use πr², and rectangular zones use expanded length and width including both clearance sides.
5) How do I handle gazebo posts or planters?
Estimate their footprint as area and enter it under reserved or obstruction zones. This prevents the model from placing seats where real objects block access.
6) Can I mix chair sizes?
Yes. Use the largest chair as your module so the result stays safe. If most seats are smaller, reduce the module slightly and compare scenarios.
7) Why does entrance width matter?
An entrance breaks the seating perimeter and improves flow. The calculator subtracts entrance width from usable perimeter so seat counts reflect real gaps.