How much cord do I need for a basic plant hanger?

A basic plant hanger for a 15 cm pot hanging 80 cm long typically needs about 25-30 metres of 4 mm cord. More detailed designs or larger pots require more.

What cord thickness works best for plant hangers?

For small pots (10-15 cm), 3-4 mm cord works well. For medium pots (15-25 cm), use 4-5 mm. For large or heavy pots, 5-6 mm cord provides the strength needed. Always check the cord's weight rating.

How many cords do I need?

A basic plant hanger uses 4 cords folded in half (8 working strands). More elaborate designs use 8 cords (16 working strands) for additional detail and stronger pot support.

Will macrame hold a heavy pot?

Cotton macrame cord can typically hold 5-10 kg depending on thickness and knot quality. For heavy ceramic pots, use 5 mm or thicker cord with tight, secure knots. Always test with weight before hanging a valuable plant.

CraftCalcs

Plant Hanger Calculator — Macrame Cord by Pot Size

Work out cord requirements for macrame plant hangers by pot size.

Pot Diameter

Pot Height

Hanging Length

From ceiling hook to pot top

Cord Size

Hanger Style

Cord Cost Per Metre

Optional

How We Calculate This

How the Calculation Works

The total working length combines the hanging length, pot cradle section (based on pot diameter and height), and a top loop allowance.

About 40% of the hanger is knotted, which consumes cord at a higher rate (5x for basic, 6x for spiral). The remaining 60% is plain cord. Each cord is folded in half for mounting, so the cut length is doubled.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.