Row Spacing Calculator
Calculate row spacing (inches) based on plant population and in-row plant spacing.
Inputs
How It Works
Row Spacing (feet) = 43,560 ÷ (Population × Plant Spacing in feet)
Related Calculators
Row Spacing Calculator FAQ
Why would I calculate row spacing?
Row spacing influences plant competition, canopy closure, and equipment compatibility.
Does narrower row spacing increase yield?
In some crops like soybeans, narrower rows may improve light interception and weed suppression.
Understanding Row Spacing in Crop Production
Row spacing plays a major role in crop development, light interception, nutrient competition, and overall yield potential. This row spacing calculator helps you determine optimal row width in inches based on your target plant population and in-row plant spacing. Whether you are planting corn, soybeans, sorghum, or other row crops, understanding spacing relationships ensures uniform plant distribution across each acre.
Row spacing directly influences canopy closure speed, weed suppression, and how efficiently plants capture sunlight throughout the growing season. Narrower row spacing can improve early-season canopy development and reduce weed pressure, especially in soybean production systems. Wider row spacing may be preferred for certain equipment configurations, residue management strategies, or irrigation setups.
In modern corn production, common row spacing is 30 inches, although 20-inch systems are gaining popularity in high-yield environments. Soybean row spacing can range from 7.5 inches (drilled) to 30 inches depending on management goals. The correct row spacing balances equipment compatibility, seed cost, and yield optimization.
If you already know your row width and want to calculate plants per acre, use the Plant Population Calculator. To determine how many seeds per acre to plant based on survival percentage, use the Seed Rate Calculator. Together, these tools provide a complete planting optimization system.