Trellis Net Layout Calculator

Plan a rectangular trellis grid

Enter the usable canopy length and width in feet, then enter the intended mesh size in inches. The calculator divides each canopy dimension by the mesh spacing and counts only complete openings that fit inside the rectangle.

An 8 by 3 foot canopy with 6-inch mesh produces a grid of 16 by 6 complete openings. The estimated line length includes the outer edges and internal grid lines.

How the calculation works

The calculator converts canopy dimensions to inches, divides each dimension by the mesh size, and rounds down to whole openings. It then multiplies the column and row counts to estimate the number of complete openings.

• Columns: floor(canopy length × 12 ÷ mesh size)
• Rows: floor(canopy width × 12 ÷ mesh size)
• Openings: columns × rows
• Approximate line length: (columns + 1) × width + (rows + 1) × length

Using the result

Use the opening count to compare mesh sizes and canopy layouts. Smaller mesh creates more support points but also requires more material and can make plant access more difficult. Larger mesh is easier to work through but provides fewer support points.

The line-length result is a planning estimate. Add extra material for knots, fastening, tensioning, frame attachment, overlap, and installation waste.

Practical trellis notes

• Measure the inside usable frame dimensions rather than the room dimensions.
• Keep the grid evenly tensioned without damaging stems.
• Leave enough access for inspection, irrigation, pruning, and harvest work.
• Check that the supporting frame can carry the expected plant load.

This calculator estimates a simple rectangular grid. It does not account for irregular frames, aisles, missing openings, multiple trellis layers, knots, or attachment hardware.