Gardening
Drip Irrigation Calculator
Enter number of emitters, litres per hour, hours per session and days per week.
How much water does drip irrigation use?
Drip irrigation water use is emitter count × litres per hour × hours per watering × days per week. That weekly litre total helps size header tanks, choose timer programmes and estimate hose-pipe versus mains demand. Matched emitters on one zone should share a runtime; mixed flow rates need separate zones or a weighted average. Plants still need soil checks — litres on a chart do not override wilting or waterlogging. Layout density ties to plant spacing and bed area to garden area.
Worked example
40 emitters × 2 L/h × 0.5 h × 3 days = 120 L per week (0.12 m³).
Limits and assumptions
Assumes rated flow at design pressure. Clogging, elevation and long laterals reduce real delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is an emitter?
A dripper or drip head that releases water at a stated flow, usually in litres per hour (L/h), at each plant or along a drip line.
How long should I run a session?
Start from soil type and plant need; this tool totals volume once you choose hours — it does not prescribe horticultural schedules.
Can I enter tape with emitters per metre?
Convert to total emitters in the zone (metres of tape × emitters per metre) first.
Rain weeks?
Skip or shorten days/week; the calculator does not pull weather data.