Hoop House Calculator

Calculate materials, costs, and dimensions for tunnel greenhouses and agricultural structures.

Determine plastic covering requirements, frame materials, and construction costs for hoop houses used in agriculture and gardening.

Examples

Click on any example to load it into the calculator.

Small Garden Hoop House

Small Garden

Compact hoop house for backyard gardening and season extension.

Length: 12 ft

Width: 8 ft

Height: 6 ft

Plastic Thickness: 6 mils

Frame Spacing: 4 ft

Plastic Cost/Sq Ft: $0.12

Frame Cost/Foot: $2

End Wall Cost: $30

Commercial Production House

Commercial Production

Large-scale hoop house for commercial vegetable production.

Length: 50 ft

Width: 20 ft

Height: 12 ft

Plastic Thickness: 8 mils

Frame Spacing: 5 ft

Plastic Cost/Sq Ft: $0.18

Frame Cost/Foot: $3.5

End Wall Cost: $80

Seasonal Extension House

Seasonal Extension

Medium-sized hoop house for extending growing seasons.

Length: 30 ft

Width: 15 ft

Height: 9 ft

Plastic Thickness: 6 mils

Frame Spacing: 4 ft

Plastic Cost/Sq Ft: $0.15

Frame Cost/Foot: $2.75

End Wall Cost: $60

High Tunnel System

High Tunnel System

Professional high tunnel with heavy-duty construction for year-round use.

Length: 100 ft

Width: 30 ft

Height: 15 ft

Plastic Thickness: 10 mils

Frame Spacing: 6 ft

Plastic Cost/Sq Ft: $0.25

Frame Cost/Foot: $5

End Wall Cost: $150

Other Titles
Understanding Hoop House Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to calculate materials, costs, and dimensions for constructing effective hoop houses and tunnel greenhouses.

What is a Hoop House?

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Types of Hoop Houses
  • Advantages and Benefits
A hoop house, also known as a tunnel greenhouse or polytunnel, is a simple agricultural structure consisting of a series of hoops covered with plastic film. These structures are used to extend growing seasons, protect crops from adverse weather conditions, and create controlled growing environments for plants.
Key Components
The main components of a hoop house include the frame structure (typically made of PVC pipe, metal conduit, or galvanized steel), plastic covering material, end walls with doors and ventilation, and anchoring system to secure the structure to the ground.
Hoop houses range from small backyard structures to large commercial operations, with sizes typically ranging from 8x12 feet for home gardens to 30x100 feet or larger for commercial production.

Common Applications

  • Small garden hoop houses can extend the growing season by 2-4 weeks in spring and fall
  • Commercial hoop houses can provide year-round growing capabilities in moderate climates
  • High tunnels are larger, more permanent structures designed for intensive production

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Hoop House Calculator

  • Input Requirements
  • Calculation Process
  • Interpreting Results
The hoop house calculator helps you determine the exact materials needed, costs involved, and dimensions for constructing your tunnel greenhouse. Start by entering the basic dimensions of your planned structure.
Dimension Inputs
Enter the length, width, and height of your hoop house. The length is the longest dimension, width determines the span of the hoops, and height affects the growing space and structural requirements.
Material Specifications
Specify the plastic thickness in mils (thousandths of an inch), frame spacing between hoops, and cost factors for materials. These inputs determine the quality and durability of your structure.

Calculation Examples

  • A 20x12x8 foot hoop house requires approximately 240 square feet of plastic covering
  • Frame spacing of 4 feet for a 20-foot length requires 6 hoops plus end supports
  • 6-mil plastic typically costs $0.12-0.18 per square foot depending on UV resistance

Real-World Applications of Hoop House Calculations

  • Commercial Agriculture
  • Home Gardening
  • Season Extension
  • Crop Protection
Hoop house calculations are essential for various agricultural applications, from small-scale home gardening to large commercial operations. Accurate calculations ensure cost-effective construction and optimal growing conditions.
Commercial Production
Commercial farmers use hoop houses for year-round vegetable production, early season crops, and protected cultivation. Proper sizing and material selection are crucial for profitability and crop success.
Home Gardening
Home gardeners use smaller hoop houses to extend growing seasons, protect tender plants, and create microclimates for specialty crops. Cost-effective construction is important for budget-conscious gardeners.

Practical Applications

  • Commercial tomato growers use hoop houses to start plants 4-6 weeks earlier than field planting
  • Home gardeners use small hoop houses to grow lettuce and greens through winter months
  • Flower growers use hoop houses to protect delicate blooms from frost and wind damage

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Size Considerations
  • Material Selection
  • Cost Estimation
  • Structural Requirements
Many people underestimate the importance of proper calculations when building hoop houses. Common mistakes include incorrect sizing, poor material selection, and inadequate structural support.
Size and Scale
A common misconception is that bigger is always better. While larger structures provide more growing space, they also require more materials, stronger frames, and higher costs. The optimal size depends on your specific needs and budget.
Material Quality
Using cheap materials may save money initially but often leads to premature failure and replacement costs. Quality plastic with UV resistance and proper frame materials are essential for long-term success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 6-mil plastic may last 2-3 years, while 8-mil UV-resistant plastic can last 5-7 years
  • PVC pipe frames are cheaper but less durable than galvanized steel in high-wind areas
  • Proper anchoring prevents wind damage and extends the life of the structure

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Area Calculations
  • Material Quantities
  • Cost Analysis
  • Structural Engineering
The hoop house calculator uses geometric and engineering principles to determine material requirements and costs. Understanding these calculations helps ensure accurate planning and cost estimation.
Surface Area Calculations
The total plastic area is calculated using the formula: Area = Length × (Width + 2 × Height) × π/2. This accounts for the curved surface of the hoops and includes extra material for overlap and anchoring.
Frame Material Calculations
Frame length is calculated as: Total Frame = Number of Hoops × (Width × π/2 + 2 × Height) + 2 × Length. The number of hoops is determined by dividing the length by the frame spacing and adding end supports.

Calculation Formulas

  • For a 20x12x8 foot hoop house: Plastic area = 20 × (12 + 2×8) × π/2 = 879 square feet
  • With 4-foot spacing: Number of hoops = 20/4 + 1 = 6 hoops
  • Total frame length = 6 × (12×π/2 + 2×8) + 2×20 = 6 × 34.85 + 40 = 249 feet