Run Time Per Session
67 min
Sessions/Week
2
Monthly Cost
$17.98
Run Time Per Session
67 min
2x per week
Weekly Need
1.33"
Weekly Gallons
831
Efficiency
75%
Your sprinkler applies water faster than soil absorbs it. Split into 2 cycles:
Run
33 min
Soak
20 min
Repeat 2 times. Total: 86 min with soaks.
Watering Tips
Inputs
Result
Cool-season lawn needs 1.0 in/week in summer. With 75% efficient rotors, gross need is 1.33 in/week. Split across 2 sessions at 0.6 in/hr = 53 min each.
Inputs
Result
Vegetables need 1.5 in/week. Drip at 90% efficiency requires 1.67 in gross. Split across 2 sessions at 0.4 in/hr = 63 min each.
Run time depends on your sprinkler type, plant water needs, and soil. A rotor sprinkler at 0.6 in/hr on loam soil watering cool-season lawn (1.0 in/week) in summer needs about 53 minutes per session, twice a week.
| Sprinkler Type | Precip Rate | Typical Run Time | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Spray | 1.5 in/hr | 25 min | 65% |
| Rotary Nozzle | 0.5 in/hr | 50 min | 80% |
| Rotor | 0.6 in/hr | 45 min | 75% |
| Drip | 0.4 in/hr | 60 min | 90% |
Cycle and soak splits your watering into multiple shorter runs with rest periods between them. This prevents runoff on clay or sloped areas where water is applied faster than soil can absorb it.
| Soil Type | Infiltration | Cycle/Soak Needed? | Typical Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 0.90 in/hr | Rarely | 1 cycle |
| Loam | 0.30 in/hr | With spray heads | 2 cycles |
| Clay | 0.05 in/hr | Almost always | 3+ cycles |
A 1,000 sq ft cool-season lawn in summer needs about 1.0 inches of water per week. After accounting for sprinkler efficiency (75%), that is about 830 gallons per week or 3,594 gallons per month, costing roughly $18 at $5/1,000 gallons.
| Lawn Size | Weekly Gallons | Monthly Cost ($5/1000gal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 830 gal | $18 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 2,075 gal | $45 |
| 5,000 sq ft | 4,150 gal | $90 |
Water needs follow evapotranspiration patterns. Peak summer is the baseline (100%). Reduce to 75% in late spring and early fall, 50% in early spring, 30% in late fall, and stop in winter for dormant lawns.
| Season | Adjustment | Run Time (45 min base) |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 100% | 45 min |
| Late Spring | 75% | 34 min |
| Early Spring | 50% | 23 min |
| Late Fall | 30% | 14 min |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.