1. What is Garden Hose Flow Rate?

Definition: This calculator estimates the water flow rate through a garden hose based on water velocity and hose cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners determine water delivery capacity for irrigation and other uses.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( V \) — Water velocity (feet per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square feet)
• 448.83 — Conversion factor (cubic feet to gallons and seconds to minutes)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much water passes through the hose per minute based on how fast it's moving and the hose's internal size.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Proper flow rate estimation ensures adequate water supply for plants, efficient irrigation system design, and proper sprinkler performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water velocity (typically 5-10 ft/s for garden hoses) and hose cross-sectional area (πr² for circular hoses). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical garden hose flow rate?
A: Standard garden hoses typically deliver 5-10 GPM at 40 psi pressure.

Q2: How do I find the cross-sectional area?
A: Measure the hose's internal diameter (ID), divide by 2 for radius, then calculate πr² (3.1416 × radius²).

Q3: What affects water velocity in a hose?
A: Pressure, hose length, diameter, and any restrictions like kinks or nozzle settings.

Q4: Why the conversion factor 448.83?
A: It converts cubic feet per second to gallons per minute (7.48052 gal/ft³ × 60 sec/min).

Q5: Does this account for friction loss?
A: No, this is theoretical maximum. Actual flow may be less due to hose material, length, and fittings.