The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Sprinkler runtime becomes meaningful only when the zone precipitation rate is known. Rather than assuming that every sprinkler applies the same inches per hour, this calculator starts with your measured or specified precipitation rate, then converts a chosen water-depth target into runtime.
How to use this calculator
Determine the zone precipitation rate from a catch-can test or reliable sprinkler design data.
Enter the weekly depth target you have chosen for current conditions.
Use application efficiency and number of watering events to translate weekly depth into controller minutes.
Where people use it
- •Sprinkler controller setup
- •Catch-can test conversion
- •Splitting weekly runtime across watering days
Worked example
A 1 in weekly target with a measured 0.5 in/hr precipitation rate is 120 ideal minutes; at 80% application efficiency it becomes 150 minutes/week before splitting into events.
What the result does not assume
- •This tool does not prescribe plant water needs or override watering restrictions.
- •Slopes and low-infiltration soils may need cycle-and-soak scheduling rather than one continuous runtime.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get precipitation rate?+
A catch-can test measures the actual zone application rate; design data can also provide a starting value.
Does this decide how many inches my lawn needs?+
No. The target depth is your input based on weather, plants, soil and local guidance.
Does this replace an irrigation schedule?+
No. It converts target water depth and precipitation rate into runtime. Soil infiltration, weather, plant needs, slope, uniformity and watering restrictions still control a real schedule.
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Keep the result connected to the real job
MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.