Rack Capacity Calculator

Size your racks for pots, trays, and tools. See shelf counts, rows, and load limits. Export results, reduce clutter, and protect plants from collapse.

Enter Rack and Container Details
Use consistent units. Add spacing for airflow and access.
Staggered can fit more round pots.
m
Depth is front-to-back usable size.
Reduces capacity for gaps, brackets, and edges.
cm
cm
Include airflow and hand clearance.
Use the manufacturer’s rated shelf load.
Include wet soil, pot, and plant mass.
Reduces working load to avoid overloading.
Reset
Example Data Table
Sample inputs and typical outputs for a small greenhouse rack.
Scenario Racks Shelves/Rack Shelf (L×D) Pot Spacing Load/Shelf Avg Weight Estimated Total
Seedlings (round) 1 4 1.2 m × 0.5 m 18 cm 2 cm 25 kg 2.0 kg ~32 units
Herbs (round) 2 5 1.5 m × 0.6 m 14 cm 3 cm 30 kg 1.4 kg ~140 units
Trays (rect) 1 3 1.2 m × 0.5 m 30×20 cm 2 cm 35 kg 6.0 kg ~12 trays
Values are illustrative. Your result depends on rack design, bracing, and real weights.
Formula Used
  • Usable shelf area: A = (L × D) × (Usable% ÷ 100)
  • Pitch: Pitch = Container size + Spacing
  • Area-based count (square grid): N = floor(L ÷ Pitch) × floor(D ÷ Pitch)
  • Area-based count (staggered pots): rows use RowStep = Pitch × 0.866, alternating shorter rows.
  • Working load: Wwork = Wmax × (1 − Safety% ÷ 100)
  • Load-based count: Nload = floor(Wwork ÷ Wunit)
  • Per-shelf capacity: Nshelf = min(Narea, Nload) (when weight is provided).
  • Total capacity: Ntotal = Nshelf × ShelvesPerRack × Racks
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the number of racks and shelves per rack.
  2. Provide shelf length and depth, then set usable area percent.
  3. Select pot or tray type and enter the container dimensions.
  4. Add spacing for airflow, watering access, and safe handling.
  5. Enter rated shelf load and your average wet weight per unit.
  6. Set a safety margin to reduce working load on each shelf.
  7. Press Calculate to see per-shelf, per-rack, and total capacity.
  8. Use Download CSV or Download PDF from the results box.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.