Sprinkler Zone Planner - SprinkleSplash.com

Sprinkler Zone Planner Calculator

Heads per Zone Recommendations

Type	Recommended Heads/Zone
Rotor	8–12
Pop-up Spray	6–10
Impact	4–8
Custom	Varies

Your Sprinkler Zone Plan

Number of Zones: --

Total Heads: --

--

Sprinkler Zone Plan

Generated:

Lawn & System Details

Lawn Area: --

Sprinkler Type: --

Water Pressure: -- PSI

Flow Rate: -- GPM

Zone Plan Summary

Number of Zones: --

Total Heads: --

Heads per Zone: --

Pipe Size: --

Water Use per Zone: -- GPM

Total System Flow: -- GPM

Est. Monthly Water Use: -- gallons

Notes & Recommendations

For systems with more than 40 heads, consider professional design.
Smart controllers and rain sensors are recommended for water savings.
Match heads per zone to recommended range for best performance.

How This Sprinkler Zone Calculator Works

1

Enter Your Lawn Area

Input your total lawn or landscape area in square feet or acres.

2

Select Sprinkler Type

Choose rotor, pop-up spray, or impact heads to match your lawn size and watering needs.

3

Enter Water Pressure & Flow

Input your available PSI and GPM from your irrigation supply.

4

Get Your Zone Plan

See your recommended number of zones, heads per zone, pipe size, and water use—plus a visual layout.

Sprinkler Head Reference Chart

Sprinkler Type	Typical Spacing	GPM per Head
Rotor	30x30 ft	3
Pop-up Spray	12x12 ft	1.5
Impact	40x40 ft	4

Tip: Match head type and spacing to your lawn for best results.

Top Water Conservation Tips

Water early morning to reduce evaporation.
Install smart controllers and rain sensors.
Check for leaks and broken heads regularly.
Group plants/zones by water needs.
Use cycle-and-soak to prevent runoff.
Upgrade to high-efficiency nozzles.

Smart irrigation can save 20–40% on your water bill.

Irrigation System Technical Standards

Lawns: 1–1.5" water/week (including rainfall)
Distribution Uniformity: 70%+ is good
Scheduling Efficiency: 80%+ is good
Runoff: < 10% of applied water
System Losses: < 15% with good maintenance
Pressure: 40–60 PSI typical
Smart controllers and rain/freeze sensors recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sprinkler zones do I need for 1 acre?

The number of zones depends on your sprinkler type, available GPM, and head layout. For a typical 1-acre lawn with rotor heads (3 GPM/head, 30x30 ft spacing) and 15 GPM available, you’ll need about 4–5 zones. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.

What is the best sprinkler head layout for even coverage?

Head-to-head coverage is best: each sprinkler should spray to the next head. Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines for your chosen head type.

How do I measure my available flow rate (GPM)?

You can measure GPM by timing how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon bucket from your irrigation tap. Divide 5 by the number of seconds, then multiply by 60.

How can I make my sprinkler system more water-efficient?

Use smart controllers, group zones by plant needs, fix leaks promptly, and upgrade to high-efficiency heads. Water early morning and adjust for rainfall.

Should I hire a professional for sprinkler system design?

For large or complex lawns, a certified irrigation designer can optimize your system for coverage, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Related Irrigation Calculators & Resources

Water Usage Calculator

Cost Calculator

Pipe Size Calculator

Maintenance Schedule