How to Measure Your Pond & Choose the Right Plants

Creating a thriving pond starts with selecting the right plants—but how many do you need? Our pond measuring guide will help you work it out with ease.

Step 1: Measure Your Pond

Use our simple diagrams to measure the length, width, and depth of your pond. Be sure to measure any marginal shelving, as this will determine the suitability and placement of marginal plants. Accurate measurements will help you achieve the right balance of aquatic plants for a healthy, clear pond.

Step 2: Use Our Pond Calculator

Input your pond measurements into our pond calculator, and it will give you an indication of the recommended number and types of plants to create a well-balanced pond environment.

Step 3: Select the Right Plants

From floating and oxygenating plants to waterlilies, deep-water plants, and marginals, our calculator will guide you in choosing the ideal combination to support water clarity, wildlife, and year-round beauty.

How to Measure your Pond

Rectangular Pond

Measure your pond’s length and width for surface area.
For marginals, measure shelf length and depths.
Sketching a simple diagram helps with planning.

Circular Pond

Measure your pond’s diameter, divide by two for the radius, and use the formula in the diagram for surface area.
For marginals, measure shelf length and depths.

Irregular Shaped Pond

Measure the widest and longest parts of the pond.
Draw a grid of 1m squares.
Count the approx. number of squares with no pond in them.

Pond Plant Calculator

Ponds are natural, living ecosystems. This calculator provides an estimated stocking list based solely on the measurements entered.

We are unable to account for other factors, such as water quality, rainfall, sunlight, runoff, and location, which all influence how your pond develops over time.

This is intended as a guide to stocking your pond.
Contact us if you'd like to discuss your results further—we’re happy to help!

Pond Area Calculator

Marginal Shelf Calculator