Question
Is there any standardization among flower pot sizes or are they all different? I am trying to find out in general if there is a diameter and height that is common to most pots sold in retail stores.

How are pot measured? are they measured by inside bottom diameter or top diameter? Can you tell me the most common size of flower pots / planters sold?  

Answer
Hi Hope,

My older sister's name is Hope, so that makes you special as far as I am concerned!

There are standard pot sizes, but a lot of manufacturers don't follow the standards. So that complicates matters.

A "standard" pot is one that has a top diameter equal to its height. These measurements are usually made from the outside, not inside.

An "azalea" pot has a height that is three-quarters of the diameter. It is  a bit more squatty looking than a standard pot.

A "bulb" pot (sometimes called pan) has a height that is one-half of the diameter. It is a very squatty pot.

It is the diameter of the top of the pot in inches that is used to describe the size of any of the the types of pots above. Thus, an 8" standard pot is 8" in diameter and 8" high; an 8" azalea pot is 8" in diameter and 6 inches high; and an 8" bulb pan is 8" in diameter and 4" high.

The standard sizes (top diameter) go in increments of two inches, starting with 2 inches and going up to 14 inches. Then it jumps to 17", then 21 inches. After that pots are described in gallons (A 28" pot is called a 45 gallon pot).

There is one other commonly used pot type and that is called "hanging basket." Many hanging or vining plants are potted in these pots that have rounded bottoms and come with attached plastic hangers and saucers. 6", 8", and 10" are the most common sized hanging baskets.

So those are the standards, but if you need a non-standard 7" or 11" pot, I am sure you can find one!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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