Sprinkler System Calculator

How to Use This Tool
Using this App

Sprinkler System Planner is a tool designed to assist a sprinkler system installer with calculations, and a list of the likely parts and quantities. Being a tool, it will likely not work as well for some projects as it does for others. The goal for this app is to help the installer save time and money. We will work hard to improve the calculations and make updates as they become necessary. Double check calculations and quantities before making your purchases.

The calculations in this app are based on using schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings.

Click to read disclaimer and legal agreement. By using this app you agree to the terms in the legal agreement.

Client Information (optional, click to view) ►






Backflow

Will you be needing a backflow preventer?

  • RP
    PVB
    No Backflow Preventer

A backflow is required for any sprinkler system supplied from culinary (drinking) water. If you are not familiar with backflows you need to do some research for your particular area since there are different requirements.

Main Line Available Water Supply

Enter the available water supply for irrigation. Available water supply is rated in gallons per minute (GPM). You will find a tool for measuring GPM below.

Measuring Water Supply Tool ►
Use this tool to calculate GPM in the field.

The most common method is to measure the amount of water supplied from a hose bib on the property. Simply place a bucket (generally a 5-gallon bucket) such that it will catch all the water from the hose bib while it is running.

Enter the size of your bucket or container in gallons, as you turn the spigot on (all the way open), press the start button, and when the container is full press the stop button.

GPM

Time:

Percent Used

Percent used is the maximum amount of water you desire to use for irrigation. While you can, in theory, use 100 percent, it is recommended that you use 70-80 percent. It is, after all, it is nice to have water available for things like showering, washing dishes, etc.

PSI

PSI (pounds per square inch) Measure and enter the PSI from a tap or hose bib on the property.

If you do not enter a pressure for the system, the App will assume it is 55 PSI.

Main Line Size

Select the main line supply size for the property.

  • 1/2"
    3/4"
    1"
Type of Main Line Pipe Currently Installed?
  • This is referring to the main line that supplies the house / property.
  • Copper
    Polly
    Galvanized
    Other / Unknown

This selection is used to help determine the best way to connect the stop and waste to the existing water supply.

sprinkler timer
Timer

Will you be needing a sprinkler timer?

  • Yes
    No
Stop & Waste diagram
Stop & Waste

Will you be needing a stop & waste?

  • Yes
    No

This is a must in areas that have hard freezes. The stop and waste is a shutoff valve that drains the downstream water from a main line. It is generally installed at the point of connection that is leading to the sprinkler system (generally close to the meter or a building). The weep hole allows water to escape when the valve is closed. Thus, a stop and waste is regularly installed at a depth that is sufficient to prevent freezing of the live side of the water main.

Number of valve Locations
  • Will you have multiple valve locations? I.E. front and back yard.
  • 1
    2
    3
    4

This divides the system into sections. Example: front and back yard. Generally, a residential sprinkler system will only have 1 or 2 locations. Keep in mind that by choosing multiple locations the parts list won't be as accurate, meaning you may need more valves to control the selected sprinklers. We will strive to improve this function. It is recommended that you choose 1 or 2 locations.

Hose bib schematic
Garden Spigot

Will you be installing any garden spigots / free standing hose bibs?

Garden Spigots are a great source for large volumes of water to be supplied with a garden hose. They tend to have more volume and pressure than a regular garden spigot. The most common uses are filling a pool or hot tub quickly, and sprinkler system winterization (Access directly to the main line for blowing the system out with air).

Below you will input sprinkler heads and emitters by selecting their nozzle size or emitter GPM. Simply press the plus button for the corresponding nozzle or emitter GPM. You can likewise remove a selection by pressing the subtract button.

Sprinkler spacing is measured by radius. The radius of a sprinkler is measured from the position of the sprinkler to the edge of the spray pattern (how far the water is thrown by the sprinkler). This means that a sprinkler with a radius of 15' with a full nozzle will actually cover a 30' area.

Sprinkler rotor
Rotors
Rain Bird 5000 Rotor
Rotor 5000 Series
-0+
  • Nozzle 1.0
  • Radius 25'-29'
-0+
  • Nozzle 1.5
  • Radius 27'-35'
-0+
  • Nozzle 2.0
  • Radius 29'-37'
-0+
  • Nozzle 2.5
  • Radius 35'-37'
-0+
  • Nozzle 3.0
  • Radius 29'-40'
-0+
  • Nozzle 4.0
  • Radius 37'-42'
-0+
  • Nozzle 5.0
  • Radius 39'-45'
-0+
  • Nozzle 6.0
  • Radius 39'-48'
-0+
  • Nozzle 8.0
  • Radius 47'-50'
Rain Bird Rotor 3500 Series
Rotor 3500 Series
-0+
  • Nozzle .75
  • Radius 15'-18'
-0+
  • Nozzle 1.0
  • Radius 20'-22'
-0+
  • Nozzle 1.5
  • Radius 23'-24'
-0+
  • Nozzle 2.0
  • Radius 27'-28'
-0+
  • Nozzle 3.0
  • Radius 29'-32'
-0+
  • Nozzle 4.0
  • Radius 31'-35'

If you are planning to use Hunter products the calculations will be comparable if you select the nozzles by distance

sprinkler Spray Nozzles
Spray Heads
Rain Bird Spray Nozzles
Spray Nozzles

It is not recommended that you use standard VAN nozzles sizes 4, 6, 8 and 10 with this tool at this time. Substitute with HE-VAN or MPR nozzles for these sizes where applicable. If you must use standard VAN Nozzles, input these sizes using the nozzle that would be considered the next size up, as standard VAN nozzles have a higher GPM.

-0+

18-VAN at 1/4 14'-18'

-0+

18-VAN at 1/2 14'-18'

-0+

18-VAN at 3/4 14'-18'

-0+

18-VAN Full 14'-18'

-0+

15 Qtr 12'-15'

-0+

15 Half 12'-15'

-0+

15 Three Qtr 12'-15'

-0+

15 Full 12'-15'

-0+

Side Strip 15

-0+

End Strip 15

-0+

12 Qtr 10'-12'

-0+

12 Half 10'-12'

-0+

12 Three Qtr 10'-12'

-0+

12 Full 10'-12'

-0+

10 Qtr 8'-10'

-0+

10 Half 8'-10'

-0+

10 Three Qtr 8'-10'

-0+

10 Full 8'-10'

-0+

8 Qtr 5'-8'

-0+

8 Half 5'-8'

-0+

8 Three Qtr 5'-8'

-0+

8 Full 5'-8'

-0+

5 Qtr 3'-5'

-0+

5 Half 3'-5'

-0+

5 Three Qtr 3'-5'

-0+

5 Full 3'-5'


drip emitter
Drip
Rain Bird Drip Emitters
Drip Emitters
Linear feet of drip area
-0+ 10

Drip emitter stations very greatly, thus, to keep the parts list more accurate we need some additional input. The linear feet of drip is representing the length of the area where you intend to install drip lines.

Number of areas covered by drip
-0+

The number of areas covered by drip, is the total locations for the whole yard. Example: If you are installing drip in 2 garden boxes and 1 flower bed you would enter 3 total locations.

Drip, bubblers and micro sprays are all covered in this section. You will need to know the GPH (Gallons Per Hour) for the emitters you plan to use. Simply select the option below that matches your rate of flow in GPH. If you are unsure which emitters to choose, here are some popular options / resources.

-100+10

0.5 GPH

-100+10

1.0 GPH

-100+10

2.0 GPH

-100+10

3.0-5.0 GPH

-100+10

6.0-7.0 GPH

-0+

8.0-10.0 GPH

-0+

11.0-12.0 GPH

-0+

13.0-18.0 GPH

-0+

19.0-24.0 GPH

-0+

0-36.0 GPH


These calculations will work with all drip manufacturers as long as you choose the correct emitter for the rate of flow.

Rotators
MP rotator sprinkler

If installed properly, MP Rotators are the most efficient type of sprinklers available. They are not the answer for all applications, in fact, I only use them in approximately 1 out of 4 systems, but given the right situation, they work very well. They are less durable and more expensive, but on the other hand, they work well along driveways, because they are less likely to leave water spots on vehicles since they apply water in a very accurate pattern.

-0+

MP Rotator 3000 at 1/4
Radius 22' to 30'

-0+

MP Rotator 3000 at 1/2
Radius 22' to 30'

-0+

MP Rotator 3000 at 3/4
Radius 22' to 30'

-0+

MP Rotator 3000 at Full
Radius 22' to 30'

-0+

MP Rotator 2000 at 1/4
Radius 13' to 21'

-0+

MP Rotator 2000 at 1/2
Radius 13' to 21'

-0+

MP Rotator 2000 at 3/4
Radius 13' to 21'

-0+

MP Rotator 2000 at Full
Radius 13' to 21'

-0+

MP Rotator 1000 at 1/4
Radius 8' to 15'

-0+

MP Rotator 1000 at 1/2
Radius 8' to 15'

-0+

MP Rotator 1000 at 3/4
Radius 8' to 15'

-0+

MP Rotator 1000 at Full
Radius 8' to 15'

-0+

MP Rotator Park Strip
Radius 28' to 32'

-0+

MP Rotator Park Strip Left
Radius 14' to 16'

-0+

MP Rotator Park Strip Right
Radius 14' to 16'


MP Rotators are listed here in favor of Rain Bird Rotary nozzles because of their durability.

Add my own sprinklers that are not listed?
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+

Drip is not included in the custom sprinklers since the drip section should cover all possible emitters regardless of brand.

  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+
  • Sprinkler Name
  • Radius
  • Enter GPM
-0+

Estimate Tool ►

By using the Estimate Tool in this app you agree to accept full responsibility and total accountability for the prices generated.

Clear Prices

  • $ Price of 1" PVC Sch 40 Per Foot Installed Including All Connections and labor
  • $ Price of 3/4" PVC Sch 40 Per Foot Installed Including All Connections and labor
  • $ Price of Wire, Installation by the foot and labor

Below you need to list the full cost for installation for each item, including all associated labor, pipe, fittings, connections, wiring and other materials. Example: When pricing out a pop-up you include labor, sprinkler head, nozzle, swing joint and the fittings to attach to the lateral.

  • $ Stop and Waste
  • $ RP Backflow
  • $ PVB Backflow
  • $ Timer
  • $ Free Standing Hose Bib / Spigot
  • $ Valve Installation
  • $ Drip Valve Installation
  • $ Pop-up Spray Heads
  • $ Rain Bird Rotor 5000 Series
  • $ Rain Bird Rotor 3500 Series
  • $ MP Rotator with Body
  • $ Drip Emitters
  • Estimate Total $0.00
  • Calculate Estimate
  • Save Prices

Sprinkler System Info.

  • Client Info.
  • System Parameters
    • 0 Property Main Line Size
    • 0 GPM Main Line Total Supply
    • 0 Main Line Velocity, Feet Per Second
    • 0 Total GPM For Irrigation
    • 0 Total Number of Stations That Are Not Drip
    • 0 Total Number of Stations / Valves
    • 0 Total Estimated PVC Based on Selections
    • 0 Total Number of Valve Locations/Boxes
    • 0 Garden Spigots
  • Drip
    • 0 Linear Feet of Drip Area
    • 0 Total Number of Areas or Locations Covered by Drip
    • 0 Total GPM For Drip and Bubblers
    • 0 Total Number of Bubblers and/or Drip Emitters
  • Pop-ups / Spray Heads
    • 0 Total GPM for Spray Heads
    • 0 Total Number of Valves for Spray Heads / Pop-ups
    • 0 Total Number of Spray Heads / Pop-ups
  • MP Rotator
    • 0 Total GPM for MP Rotators
    • 0 Total Number of Valves Needed for MP Rotators
    • 0 Total Number of MP Rotators
  • Rotors
    • 0 Total GPM for Rotors
    • 0 Total Number of Valves Needed for Rotors
    • 0 Total Number of Rotors
  • Calculate Estimate
  • Estimate Total

Personal Parts List

  • Glue and Sealant
    • 0 Grey Glue 1/2 Pint
    • 0 Primer 1/2 Pint
    • 0 Blue Glue 1/2 Pint
    • 0 Teflon Tape
    • 0 Pipe Dope (not necessary, but recommended)
  • Pipe
    • 0 Estimated Feet 1" PVC Sch 40
    • 0 Estimated Feet 3/4" PVC Sch 40
    • 0 Feet 2" PVC (Intended For Stop and Waste)
    • 0 Rolls Swing Pipe / Funny Pipe
  • Stop and Waste
    • 0 Stop And Waste
    • 0 Snug Cap
    • 0 Brass Compression Tee For
    • 0 Brass Nipples 6 Inches Long
    • 0 Brass Elbow / 90
    • 0 10 inch Round Box
  • Backflow, Timer and Spigot Parts
    • 0 Backflow
    • 0 Timer Stations
    • 0 Galvanized 1" x 18" or 1" x 24" nipples
    • 0 Galvanized 1" x 3" nipple
    • 0 Galvanized 1" 90 / elbow
    • 0 Galvanized 1" street 90 / elbow (If street 90's are not available, substitute with 2 close nipples and 2 regular 90's)
    • 0 Galvanized 1" union
    • 0 Female Adapter 1"
    • 0 Spigot / Inverted Hose Bib
  • Valves and Manifolds
    • 0 1" automatic sprinkler valve with flow control
    • 0 1" Drip Valve kit
    • 0 Feet of Sprinkler Wire Strand (Not accurate, it is recommended that you measure installation site for wire)
    • 0 Auto Drains
    • 0 Box Standard / Jumbo (Jumbo Recommended for manifolds with drip zones)
    • 0 Tee 1" Slip x 1" Thread PVC
    • 0 Elbow 1" Slip x 1" Thread PVC
    • 0 Reducer bushing 1" x 3/4" PVC
    • 0 Union Threaded PVC
    • 0 Union Slip PVC
    • 0 Close Nipples PVC
    • 0 Nipple 1" x 12" Extruded PVC
    • 0 Grease Nuts / Grease Packs
  • Sprinkler Heads and Swing Joint Parts
    • 0 Pop-ups 1804 or similar
    • 0 Rotor Rain Bird 5000
    • 0 Rotor Rain Bird 3500
    • 0 Marlex 3/4" Street Elbow
    • 0 Marlex 1/2" Street Elbow
    • 0 Funny Elbow 3/4", Swing Barbed x 3/4" Thread
    • 0 Funny Elbow 1/2", Swing Barbed x 1/2" Thread
    • 0 Tee 1" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC
    • 0 Tee 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC
    • 0 Elbow 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC
  • Lateral and Main Line Parts
    • 0 Tee 1" Slip
    • 0 Tee 3/4" Slip
    • 0 Elbow 1" Slip
    • 0 Elbow 3/4" Slip
    • 0 Coupling 1" Slip
    • 0 Coupling 3/4" Slip
  • Drip lines and Fittings
    • 0 Feet 1/2" Drip Line
    • 0 Drip Line Male Adapter 1/2"
    • 0 PVC Coupling 1/2" Threaded
    • 0 Drip Tee 1/2"
    • 0 Drip line Manual Flush Valve 1/2", Ball Valve w/ Barbed Connectors
    • 0 Drip Line Coupling 1/2", Barbed Connector
    • 0 Drip Tubing Puncture Connectors 1/4"
    • 0 feet Drip Tubing 1/4"
    • 0 Drip Emitter 0.5 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 1.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 2.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 5.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 7.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 10.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 12.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 18.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 24.0 GPH
    • 0 Drip Emitter 36.0 GPH
  • Spray Nozzles Rain Bird
    • 0 18 VAN
    • 0 15 1/4
    • 0 15 1/2
    • 0 15 3/4
    • 0 15 Full
    • 0 15 Side Strip or Center Strip
    • 0 15 Corner Strip or End Strip
    • 0 12 1/4
    • 0 12 1/2
    • 0 12 3/4
    • 0 12 Full
    • 0 10 1/4
    • 0 10 1/2
    • 0 10 3/4
    • 0 10 Full
    • 0 8 1/4
    • 0 8 1/2
    • 0 8 3/4
    • 0 8 Full
    • 0 5 1/4
    • 0 5 1/2
    • 0 5 3/4
    • 0 5 Full
  • MP Rotator Nozzles
    • 0 MP Rotator 3000, 90° to 210°
    • 0 MP Rotator 3000, 210° to 270°
    • 0 MP Rotator 3000, 360°
    • 0 MP Rotator 2000, 90° to 210°
    • 0 MP Rotator 2000, 210° to 270°
    • 0 MP Rotator 2000, 360°
    • 0 MP Rotator 1000, 90° to 210°
    • 0 MP Rotator 1000, 210° to 270°
    • 0 MP Rotator 1000, 360°
    • 0 MP Rotator Side Park Strip
    • 0 MP Rotator Left Park Strip
    • 0 MP Rotator Right Park Strip
  • My Added Sprinklers
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
  • Calculate Parts Estimate
  • Estimated Cost of Parts
  • The estimated cost of parts is generated using average prices found online in 2019. Do not expect this to be accurate, in fact, it is intended to estimate 10%-30% high. The cost of parts in your area will very. All parts may not be accounted for.
  • 100 Change Parts Estimate By Percentage
  • Save Percent Used