Greenhouse Cost Calculator
Enter the length of the greenhouse.
Enter the width of the greenhouse.
Cost per sq.ft. varies by type.
Calculated as: Area × Type Rate
Cost per sq.ft. for frame material.
Calculated as: Area × Material Rate
Cost per sq.ft. and lifespan details vary.
Calculated as: Area × Covering Rate
Cost per sq.ft. for flooring.
Calculated as: Area × Flooring Rate
Initial and monthly costs vary.
Initial and monthly costs vary.
Sum of heating and cooling initial costs.
Sum of heating and cooling monthly costs.
Initial setup and monthly water costs.
Based on selected system.
Based on selected system.
Initial and yearly costs vary.
Based on selected setup.
Based on selected setup.
Monthly cost for LED lights.
Monthly cost for ventilation.
Monthly cost for heater.
Sum of individual components.
Type of crop grown.
Expected annual yield.
Selling price per pound.
Calculated as: Yield × Sale Price
e.g., $250 every 4 years.
e.g., $500 every 5 years.
Additional annual maintenance costs.
Sum of maintenance costs.
Calculated as: Structure + (if used: Frame + Covering + Flooring + Climate (Initial) + Irrigation (Initial) + Setup (Initial))
last Updated: May 29, 2025
Greenhouse Cost Calculator – Estimate Your Greenhouse Setup, Heating & ROI
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Use this greenhouse cost calculator to estimate how much it will cost to build, heat, maintain, and operate a greenhouse — from a simple PVC hoop house to a fully automated commercial greenhouse. This tool helps you plan your budget based on size, structure type, materials, climate systems, irrigation, and more.
Whether you’re starting a DIY project or developing a commercial operation, this calculator gives you a complete greenhouse cost estimate, including your expected cost per square foot, energy use, ROI, and more.
Table of Contents
Greenhouse Construction Cost Estimator
Start by entering the length and width of your greenhouse. The calculator will compute the area and apply cost rates based on the selected greenhouse type.
📐 Formula Used:
Area (sq. ft.) = Length × Width
Structure Cost = Area × Rate (based on greenhouse type)
🔢 Average Greenhouse Pricing by Type:
| Greenhouse Type | DIY Cost/Sq Ft | Installed Cost/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| PVC Hoop House | $3 – $8 | N/A (DIY only) |
| Polycarbonate Panel | $10 – $20 | $20 – $30 |
| Glass Greenhouse | $20 – $40 | $35 – $60 |
| Commercial Greenhouse | $25 – $60 | $40 – $85 |
The greenhouse cost calculator includes these pricing tiers and updates in real time as you enter your details.
Commercial Greenhouse Cost Calculator
Easily estimate the total cost of building and operating a commercial greenhouse. This tool lets you:
Enter greenhouse dimensions and type to calculate structure cost
Toggle optional sections like frame, covering, flooring, climate control, and more
See how different materials and systems affect your initial setup and ongoing expenses
Get instant calculations for monthly, annual, and system-wide costs
Evaluate return on investment (ROI) based on crop yield and sale price
Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator
Heating is a major operating cost. The built-in greenhouse heating cost calculator helps you determine the required heating power (BTU) based on size, climate, and insulation.
🔥 Formula Used:
BTU = Area × Height × (Target Temp – Outside Temp) × Heat Loss Factor
Choose from heating systems:
Electric Heater
Propane Heater
Wood Stove
Boiler System (ideal for large greenhouses)
The calculator shows:
Installation cost
Monthly operational cost
Suggested heater size (BTUs)
Cooling & Climate Control Cost
A climate controlled greenhouse requires effective cooling during warmer months. The calculator lets you choose from:
Ventilation fans
Shade cloth
Evaporative coolers
Each option shows installation and monthly energy costs.
Irrigation, Flooring & Hydroponics
Estimate your cost for:
Irrigation systems: Drip or sprinkler
Flooring types: Gravel, concrete, dirt, wood
Setup type: Soil vs Hydroponic
The greenhouse cost calculator factors in each component’s rate per square foot or fixed system cost.
Hydroponic System:
Higher initial setup cost
Recurring cost for nutrients, media
Compared directly to soil-based setup
Electricity & Energy Use Estimator
This section acts as a greenhouse energy calculator, helping you understand ongoing electricity use and cost.
🧮 Formula Used:
Electricity Cost = LED Lights + Fans + Heaters (monthly)
Input your expected monthly usage or use our prefilled estimates.
💰 ROI & Revenue Calculator
Want to know if your greenhouse will be profitable? The greenhouse cost calculator includes ROI estimation.
📈 Formula Used:
Annual Revenue = Yield (lbs) × Price ($/lb)
Break-even = Total System Cost ÷ Annual Revenue
Net Profit = Revenue – Operating Costs
Great for both commercial growers and small-scale farmers.
🛠️ Maintenance & Repair Cost Estimator
Enter your replacement cycle costs:
Covering (e.g. poly film every 4 years)
Heater replacement (every 5–7 years)
Miscellaneous maintenance
The calculator totals your annualized repair and maintenance costs.
You can even add custom repair items and cycles.
📊 Optional: Rental Rate Info
Although this calculator focuses on ownership and building costs, you may want to compare it with leasing.
Greenhouse rental rates typically range from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq. ft. per month depending on region, amenities, and greenhouse type.
FAQ – Greenhouse Cost & Planning
💬 How much does a greenhouse cost?
A DIY greenhouse costs $5–$20/sq. ft., while commercial greenhouses can range from $30 to $85/sq. ft., depending on materials and systems.
💬 How do I calculate heating for my greenhouse?
Use our built-in greenhouse heating calculator. Input your size, insulation level, and temperature difference to get the right BTU level and system cost.
💬 What’s the cheapest greenhouse type?
The PVC hoop house is the most cost-effective — easy to build and ideal for seasonal use.
💬 How do I include labor costs?
Switch to commercial mode or add a labor cost per sq. ft. manually in the calculator.
Final Summary
This dynamic greenhouse cost calculator provides accurate, customizable estimates based on real-world rates and industry standards. From planning a PVC hoop house on a tight budget to launching a commercial greenhouse, this tool breaks down everything you need — structure, heating, energy, irrigation, and even ROI.
Whether you’re comparing greenhouse pricing, calculating your cost per square foot, or planning for long-term profitability, this calculator is your all-in-one budgeting tool.
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