Drip Irrigation Runtime Calculator — How Long to Run Your Drip System

Your Drip System Parameters

Emitter flow rate (GPH)

Emitter spacing (inches)

Row spacing (inches)

Target water per week (inches)

Watering sessions per week

Number of zones

Runtime Per Session

—

minutes

Weekly Runtime (per zone)

—

total minutes/week

Gallons Per Zone/Week

—

gallons

Total System Gallons/Week

—

all zones combined

Vegetables typically need 1–1.5 inches of water per week during peak growing season.
Drip is 90% efficient vs. ~60% for sprinklers — less evaporation, no wet foliage (reduces disease).
Sandy soils need more frequent, shorter sessions. Clay soils benefit from less frequent, longer runs.
1 inch of water per square foot = 0.623 gallons per square foot.
Run drip irrigation in the early morning for best efficiency and time for foliage to dry before nightfall.