Design irrigation outlet layouts for beds and rows. Choose units, offsets, and emitter flow easily. Get spacing, outlet count, and watering runtime in minutes.
| Scenario | Line length | Offsets | Mode | Outlets / Desired spacing | Flow/outlet | Calculated spacing | Total flow | Runtime (10 mm, 0.6 m width, 0.85 eff.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised bed edge | 8 m | 0.3 m + 0.3 m | Find spacing | 10 outlets | 2 L/h | ~0.822 m | 20 L/h | ~271 min |
| Veg row | 30 ft | 1 ft + 1 ft | Find outlets | 3 ft desired | 0.5 gal/h | ~3.11 ft | ~4.5 gal/h | ~259 min |
| Hedge line | 12 m | 0.5 m + 0.5 m | Find spacing | 16 outlets | 1.6 L/h | ~0.733 m | 25.6 L/h | ~198 min |
Evenly spaced outlets reduce dry bands and waterlogging. For drip lines, many gardens perform well with 20–45 cm spacing for vegetables and 45–90 cm for shrubs. In raised beds, a 30 cm pattern often supports two staggered rows. Use shorter spacing in sandy soil where lateral spread is limited, and wider spacing in loam where water moves sideways more effectively. For micro‑sprays, 1.5–3 m spacing is common.
Real beds rarely start at the hose connection. Start and end offsets let you keep the first outlet away from fittings and the last outlet away from kinks. A 5–10 cm offset is typical near compression fittings and end caps. Including outlets at the endpoints can improve edge coverage, but may create overspray at a boundary. The calculator shows outlet positions so you can visualize exact placements.
Total flow equals outlet count multiplied by flow per outlet. For example, 12 outlets at 2.0 L/h draw about 24 L/h. Higher flow shortens run time but can exceed supply limits on long laterals. If pressure varies, consider pressure‑compensating emitters to keep discharge consistent along the line. Typical emitters: 1–3 L/h.
Run time is based on the water volume needed to wet a strip of soil: bed area equals line length times wetted width. Converting target depth to volume and dividing by total flow gives minutes per run. The efficiency factor adjusts for wind, runoff, and uneven infiltration, helping you plan realistic irrigation cycles.
Spacing plans should allow for future crops and maintenance access. Mark outlet locations on the tubing before punching, then test for leaks and clogs after installation. Seasonal flushing and filter cleaning preserve flow rates, keeping the calculated schedule accurate. Recalculate when you add zones, change emitters, or shorten the line.
When enabled, the first and last outlets can sit exactly at your start and end offsets. If disabled, outlets are distributed between the offsets, keeping hardware areas clear while still covering the full run.
Use spacing mode when you already know how many outlets you can install. Use outlet count mode when you have a target spacing and want the calculator to round to a practical number of outlets.
For drip, wetted width is the typical sideways spread from one line during a single run. Start with 20–40 cm in sandy soil and 40–60 cm in loam, then confirm by digging a small test spot.
Not all applied water becomes useful soil moisture. Efficiency accounts for wind drift, runoff, evaporation, and uneven infiltration. A conservative range is 0.60–0.85 for small gardens, improving schedule reliability.
Yes, if each outlet has a known flow rate and wets a predictable strip width. Enter the nozzle’s flow per outlet and an estimated effective wetted width. For full-circle sprinklers, results are approximate.
Round spacing to match your punch tool and plant layout, then rerun using outlet count mode to confirm positions. If the line is long, consider splitting into two zones to keep pressure and distribution more uniform.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.