When measuring plant pots, there are many different factors to consider. The size of the pot is essential for providing enough room for root growth. Adequately sized pots allow for good drainage and airflow around the roots. Measuring pots accurately also ensures you select holders and saucers that fit correctly. I will walk through 16 different ways how to measure plant pots. Whether you must repot a plant into a larger container or find the right decorative cover pot, these measuring tips will help. Let’s get started!
1. Measure Pot Diameter
The most basic measurement of a plant pot is its diameter. This tells you the width across the top opening of the container.
To measure the diameter, take a measuring tape and run it across the top of the pot from one side to the other, through the center. Make sure your tape measure stays level.
Take measurements across the most comprehensive and narrowest points for oval or rectangular pots, then average the two diameters.
Knowing the diameter helps you choose a pot that gives proper air circulation and fits with saucers and decorative outer pots.
2. Measure Pot Height
Plant pot height is another important dimension. Tall, large pots give more room for root systems to expand downward. Measuring height helps match plants to appropriately sized containers.
Use a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape to determine the height of a pot. Place the end at the pot’s base and run the measuring tool straight up along the exterior to the top rim.
For tapered or flared pots, take height measurements on the tallest and shortest sides and calculate the average if they vary.
Pot height and give the given picture of what size plants a pot can accommodate.
3. Measure Inner Dimensions
In addition to outer diameter and height, some situations call for knowing the interior dimensions of a planter. This helps determine how much soil or other potting mix the container can hold.
Use a tape measure to cover the inside of the pot. Lower the tape to the bottom to get the interior height from base to rim.
If the base isn’t flat, loosely fill the pot with water to determine the full interior height from the lowest point to the brim.
Inner dimensions matter most when repotting plants or mixing custom potting media. The measurements inform how much is needed to fill the container.
4. Measure Drainage Hole Size
An often overlooked dimension is the width of a pot’s drainage holes. Larger holes allow more excess moisture to escape, preventing waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot.
Use a ruler or measuring tape to gauge the diameter of a pot’s drainage holes. Insert the end into the hole for an accurate mark.
Measuring hole size also helps prevent soil from washing out when screening pots. Know the dimensions to find gravel or mesh to cover holes that fit correctly.
5. Measure Saucer Diameter
For pots that come with matching saucers or plates, the width of the saucer must be measured to ensure it provides adequate drainage space.
Use a measuring tape across the saucer’s top, passing through the center point. Note the diameter.
Ideally, the saucer diameter should be at least 2 inches wider than the pot diameter. This leaves room for overflow without allowing the pot rim to sit in standing water.
6. Measure Decorative Cover Pot
Measuring a decorative outer pot over a plastic grow pot ensures the interior container fits inside correctly.
Take the diameter across the top opening of the cover pot. Also, measure about an inch or two down from the top to account for flaring.
Compare these dimensions to the plastic pot’s measurements, adding 1-2 inches for space between the two. Outer pots 2-4 inches larger than inner pots allow easy assembly.
7. Measure Pot Volume
While the dimensions reveal the exterior size, measuring volume shows how much potting mix or soil a pot can contain. The volume must match the plant’s root capacity.
To measure volume, fill the pot to the brim with water, then pour the water into a measuring cup to get the volume in fluid ounces or liters.
You can also loosely fill the pot with packing peanuts, then pour them into a measuring cup to determine the volume.
Knowing both diameter and volume provides a complete picture of what size plants suit a pot.
8. Gauge Pot Weight
Heavier pots provide stability and anchor plants against tipping. Weighing pots gives helpful information when selecting sturdy containers.
Use a kitchen, shipping, or hanging scale to weigh the pot and compare weights between different sizes.
Heavy materials like ceramics, metals, and thick plastics resist blowing over. Pick substantial pots for top-heavy or tall plants.
Calculate the estimated weight of huge pots by measuring the thickness and volume. Heft the pot for a sense of its weight distribution.
9. Consider Shape and Balance
The silhouette and balance point of a pot also influence its functional measurements. Top-heavy pots require wide bases, while rounded pots roll.
Test the balance point of pots by placing a fingertip underneath the edge and lifting upwards—the spot where the pot balances evenly indicates its stability.
Measure the ratio of top to base diameter. Larger bases proportional to the top opening provide more stability.
Evaluate rounded pots to ensure they have a flat base. Consider if tapered sides or an irregular shape will make watering difficult.
10. Assess Drainage Design
Beyond just the size of drainage holes, the overall drainage design deserves measurement and inspection.
Measure the number and pattern of drainage holes. Multiple holes spread wide across the base are ideal.
Inspect if holes are angled to direct water outwards. Examine if the base has drainage channels or ridges to divert moisture.
Turn pots over to gauge the depth of holes and if they penetrate deep into the container base. Shallow holes drain poorly.
Assessing drainage design ensures excess water can flow out freely through multiple routes.
11. Measure Lip Width
Some pots feature a wide, flared lip or rim around the top opening. Measuring this lip gives usable interior space.
Use a ruler to measure the width of the lip precisely if planting directly into the pot. Account for this when adding soil.
A 1-2 inch lip may be too narrow for some plants or require additional support to hold soil. Measure to ensure it can accommodate plant roots.
12. Gauge Interior Ledge
In addition to rim lips, sure pots have an interior ledge or indentation where the soil level should reach.
Measuring this interior ledge height and width indicates how much soil can be added before hitting the airflow gap.
Use a ruler to determine the ledge height from the drainage holes. Measure the diameter across the top of the ledge.
When filling pots with narrow openings or unusual shapes, pay attention to these internal dimensions.
13. Consider Material Properties
The properties of the material a pot is made from can dictate additional functional measurements.
Measure thickness for materials like wood, plastic, or metal using calipers. Avoid thin, flimsy materials that warp over time.
Inspect the absorbency of terracotta or unglazed clay that wicks away moisture from the soil. Consider if breathability is beneficial.
Evaluate the sturdiness of wire mesh pots or coir fiber pots that dry out quickly. Measure strength and durability.
14. Assess Ergonomic Design
For large pots that require moving and lifting, assess ergonomic measurements for ease of handling.
Measure weight distribution when lifted and grip points along pot walls and rim. Lighter pots with handles are ideal.
Consider height and depth when lifted and if a pot fits between shelves or plant stands—measure entry points.
Evaluate the texture and materials that make a pot easy to lift and carry. Smooth and lightweight surfaces add ergonomic benefits.
15. Measure Display Dimensions
Accounting for full dimensions is critical if displaying a pot as part of an indoor arrangement or outdoor vignette.
Measure the overall diameter, including the saucer or plate. Include any extended lip around the top rim.
Consider the visible height from both the front and sides for placement on shelves, pedestals, or stacked arrangements.
Factor in decorative embellishments like attached driftwood, trellises, or artisan glazes.
16. Assess Proportions and Scale
The proportions between pot dimensions influence the overall look and scale.
Measure the ratio between pot height and diameter. Long, narrow pots create a different visual than short, wide ones.
Compare measurements to other pots or containers in the space. Contrasting scales make unique displays.
Evaluate if proportions fit the intended use, like a long window box versus a petite succulent planter.
Key Takeaways: Measuring Plant Pots
- Use diameter, height, and volume to size pots for plant roots. Assess drainage holes and interior space.
- Weigh material heft and gauge stability. Evaluate ergonomic design.
- Consider display proportions and dimensions. Measure all decorative accents.
- Compare measurements to other pots and containers. Contrast scales make exciting arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the easiest way to measure a pot’s diameter?
A: A flexible measuring tape laid across the top rim through the center point gives you the most accurate diameter read. Keep the measuring tape level as you span the pot’s opening.
Q: How do I measure the soil volume a pot can hold?
A: Fill the empty pot with water, then pour the water into a measuring cup to get the volume in ounces or liters. Packing peanuts also works if you don’t want to use water.
Q: Should I measure the outside or inside dimensions of a pot?
A: It’s helpful to measure both the overall exterior height and dimensions, and the interior width and depth. The exterior indicates size, while the interior reveals usable space.
Q: What’s the best way to measure a pot’s height and clearance?
A: Use a yardstick, ruler, or measuring tape placed vertically against the pot’s exterior from base to rim. Measure all sides for tapered pots—also, gauge height when placed on shelving or stands.
Q: How do I consider decorative features when measuring a pot?
A: Consider embellishments like attached driftwood handles, trellises, or artisan glaze textures. Measure their dimensions and spatial impact. Weigh these decorative accents if substantial.
In Conclusion
Measuring the many dimensions of plant pots provides valuable data to make informed choices. Start with primary diameter, height, volume, weight, and hole size. Learn how to grow dark room plants in a pot by first understanding the essentials: then, assess proportions, drainage, ergonomics, display factors, and decorative accents. Precise pot measurements ensure you choose the optimal containers for displaying and growing healthy, thriving plants.