Greenhouse Calculator
Calculate greenhouse size, growing capacity, construction costs, heating requirements, and revenue potential.
Greenhouse length dimension
Greenhouse width dimension
Peak or average ceiling height
Affects heating requirements
Hoop house: $2-5, Glass: $25-50
Varies by climate and insulation
Greens: $4-6, Tomatoes: $8-15
How much does it cost to build a greenhouse?
Greenhouse costs vary widely by size, materials, and features. Simple hoop houses cost $2-$5 per square foot. Basic hobby greenhouses range from $10-$25 per square foot. Commercial-grade structures with climate control run $25-$50+ per square foot. A 200 sq ft hobby greenhouse typically costs $2,000-$5,000, while a 1,000 sq ft commercial greenhouse can cost $25,000-$50,000 including heating, ventilation, and irrigation systems.
What size greenhouse do I need?
For hobby growing and family use, 100-200 sq ft suffices. Serious hobbyists or small market growers need 200-500 sq ft. Part-time commercial operations require 500-2,000 sq ft. Full-time greenhouse businesses typically start at 2,000+ sq ft. Consider your available time, budget, market demand, and growth plans. Starting small allows you to learn and expand gradually based on experience.
How do I calculate greenhouse heating requirements?
Heating needs depend on climate zone, desired temperature, and greenhouse insulation. Calculate volume (length × width × height), determine temperature differential between inside and outside, and factor in R-value of glazing. A 200 sq ft × 8 ft tall greenhouse in zone 5 maintaining 60°F might need a 20,000-30,000 BTU heater. Use climate factors: warm zones need 15 BTU/sq ft, temperate zones 25 BTU/sq ft, and cold zones 40 BTU/sq ft.