Hoop House Calculator
Calculate greenhouse cover surface area, conductive heat loss, required heater capacity, and material cost for gable, arch, quonset, and lean-to hoop houses.
What Is a Hoop House Calculator?
A hoop house calculator estimates greenhouse cover surface area, conductive heat loss, required heater capacity, and cladding material cost. Enter greenhouse type, dimensions, cover material, indoor and outdoor temperatures, heater efficiency, and price per square meter to plan winter growing setups.
How Greenhouse Surface Area Is Calculated
For a gable greenhouse, cover area includes two long sidewalls, two end walls with triangular peaks, and two sloped roof panels. Arched and Quonset designs use semicircular geometry. Lean-to greenhouses include a vertical back wall, sloped roof, and triangular end section.
Conductive heat loss through the cover is:
$$ Q = U \times A \times \Delta T $$
Where $U$ is the cover heat loss coefficient in W/(m²·°C), $A$ is surface area in square meters, and $\Delta T$ is the temperature difference between inside and outside air.
Required heater capacity equals heat loss divided by heater efficiency. For room-level heating estimates, see the Heat Loss Calculator and Furnace Size Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What greenhouse types does this calculator support?
Gable, arched roof, Quonset, and lean-to hoop house layouts. Each type uses a different surface area formula based on width, length, and height inputs.
Why is inside temperature required to be warmer than outside?
Heat loss is calculated for heating demand when the greenhouse is warmer than ambient air. If outside air is warmer, conductive loss through the cover is not a heating load.
What is a heat loss coefficient for greenhouse covers?
It describes how quickly heat passes through a cover material, similar to a U-value. Lower coefficients mean better heat retention. Polyethylene, glass, and insulated glazing each have different values.
Does this include ventilation or solar gain?
No. This tool estimates conductive heat loss through the cover only. Ventilation, infiltration, and daytime solar heating are not included.
How do I estimate cover material cost?
Multiply total cover surface area by your supplier price per square meter. Add extra material for overlaps, doors, and waste when ordering rolls or panels.
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