Calculator
Choose a placement style and provide sizes. The calculator estimates how many garden side tables you can place while keeping comfortable clearances.
Example data table
| Scenario | Area (L×W) | Style | Table (L×W) | Clearance | Seats | Extras | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio edge layout | 8 m × 5 m | Perimeter (70%) | 0.45 m × 0.45 m | 0.30 m | 6 seats @ 1/table | 10% | 7 tables |
| Compact path rest stops | 20 ft × 6 ft | Grid | 1.5 ft × 1.5 ft | 2.5 ft (accessible) | 4 seats @ 1/table | 0% | Depends on spacing |
| Quiet corner seating | 4 m × 3 m | Corners | 0.50 m × 0.40 m | 0.25 m | 2 seats @ 1/table | 5% | Up to 4 tables |
Formula used
The calculator first computes an effective placement area by subtracting an edge setback from all sides. Then it estimates the maximum number of tables that can fit based on your chosen placement style.
- Grid placement: pitch = table + 2×clearance + gap. Max fit is floor(effL/pitchL) × floor(effW/pitchW).
- Perimeter placement: Uses inner perimeter after setback: perimeter = 2×(effL + effW). Usable run is perimeter × (use%/100). Max fit is floor(usableRun / (tableL + 2×clearance + gap)).
- Corners placement: Up to 4 corners if the corner footprint (table + 2×clearance) fits within the effective dimensions. Very narrow layouts reduce the count to 2.
Seating requirement is ceil(desiredSeats / seatsPerTable). The base recommendation is the smaller of seating requirement and max fit, then extras are applied with ceil(base × (1 + extras%)).
How to use this calculator
- Measure your usable patio or path area length and width.
- Choose a placement style: edges, grid, or corners.
- Enter the side table size and your walking clearance.
- Set your desired seating capacity and seats per table.
- Click Calculate to view results above the form.
- Use the export buttons to download CSV or PDF.
Planning area inputs and units
Start with a measured rectangle for your patio, deck, or path pocket. Metric mode treats all lengths as meters; imperial mode treats inputs as feet and converts internally. A 8×5 meter patio equals about 40 m², while a 20×6 foot path pocket equals about 11.15 m². Use edge setback to reserve space for planters, walls, or borders. Record fixed obstacles in notes, such as raised beds, hose reels, or compost bins.
Choosing a placement style
Perimeter placement estimates tables along the usable inner edge run: usableRun = 2×(effL+effW)×use%. Grid placement estimates rows and columns using pitch = table + 2×clearance + gap. Corners placement prioritizes open centers and can return 0, 2, or 4 tables depending on the corner footprint. Use grid when you want evenly spaced resting spots between planting zones.
Clearance, access, and safety
Clearance represents comfortable walking space around each table. For high-traffic garden paths, 0.75–0.90 m clearance helps reduce bottlenecks. When accessibility-friendly clearance is enabled, the calculator enforces at least 0.9 m, supporting smoother turns and safer passing. If results drop sharply, try perimeter style, reduce gaps, or shrink table size. For narrow paths, consider smaller table widths to keep the route open.
Seating targets and spare factor
Seating need is calculated as ceil(desiredSeats / seatsPerTable). For example, 6 desired seats at 1 seat per table requires 6 tables before spares. Extras add resilient capacity for seasonal hosting, damage, or future growth: final = ceil(base×(1+extras%)). Use “round to even” when you prefer symmetrical placement pairs. A 10% spare factor turns 6 into 7 tables.
Budgeting and export-ready outputs
Add a realistic per-table cost to estimate totals quickly; 7 tables at 25 each equals 175 in your chosen currency. The results block summarizes max fit, seating-driven need, recommended count with extras, and cost. Use CSV for quick spreadsheet planning and PDF for sharing with landscapers, suppliers, or household decision makers. Keep exported files with your planting schedule for easier seasonal refreshes later.
FAQs
1) What does “Max tables that fit” mean?
It is the capacity limit based on your area, setbacks, and spacing. The calculator uses your placement style to estimate the highest practical count before seating needs or extras are considered.
2) How should I choose clearance?
Use smaller clearances for low-traffic corners and larger clearances for paths. If people often pass by, aim for about 0.75–0.90 m (or 2.5–3 ft) and test how it changes the fit.
3) Why use a perimeter percentage?
Edges are rarely fully usable due to doors, steps, pots, or grills. The percentage lets you reserve part of the run for access routes, planting zones, or furniture, while still estimating a realistic count.
4) What is the gap between tables used for?
Gap adds spacing between neighboring tables beyond clearance. It helps prevent tight clusters and allows room for legs, watering cans, or décor. Reduce it if the layout is constrained but keep enough for comfort.
5) How does seating affect the recommendation?
The calculator computes tables needed for seating, then recommends the smaller of that value and the max fit. If max fit is lower, the results show a seat shortfall so you can adjust layout or expectations.
6) Why do CSV and PDF exports require a calculation first?
Exports use the last saved result from your session. Run the calculator once so the tool can store inputs and outputs, then download a consistent file that matches what you just reviewed on screen.