Hoop House Calculator

Your details

Choose the cross-section shape of your structure.
Inside span from one base rail to the other.
ft
Total length of the structure.
ft
Height of the straight vertical walls before the arch or peak begins. Leave 0 for a pure Quonset.
ft
The covering material determines the U-value used to calculate heat loss.
Minimum desired growing temperature inside the hoop house.
°F
Coldest expected outside air temperature (the design low for your climate).
°F
Percentage of fuel energy that becomes usable heat. Propane forced-air units are typically 80-95%.
%
Unit cost of your covering material. Leave 0 to skip the cost estimate.
USD/ft²
Distance between successive hoops or bows along the length. Typically 4-6 ft for PVC, 2-4 ft for metal.
ft
Surface area to cover
681.7

Total exterior surface area of the structure

Number of hoops7
Conductive heat loss9.58kW
Heater capacity needed11.98kW
Heater capacity (BTU/h)40,874BTU/h
Estimated material cost170.43USD
Surface area (m²)63.33
Temperature difference22.2°C
Heat loss (kW)9.58
Heater needed (kW)11.98

Total cover needed: 681.7 ft²

  • Your hoop house needs 681.7 ft² of covering material, which requires approximately 7 hoops at the chosen spacing.
  • At a 22.2°C design temperature difference, the structure loses 9.58 kW of heat through the covering.
  • You need a heater rated at least 11.98 kW (40874 BTU/h) at your heater efficiency to maintain the target inside temperature.
  • Estimated covering material cost: $170.43 at the price you entered.

Next stepConsider upgrading to a double-layer or twin-wall covering to significantly reduce heating costs over multiple seasons.

 = Powered by OnlyCalculators