Irrigation Spacing Visualizer

Spray Heads & Rotor Coverage Analyzer

Larger grid = wider view for rotors
(4-head overlap)

Coverage Legend

The dark areas represent dry soil with no water coverage. Green translucent circles show where each sprinkler head reaches. Darker green indicates multiple heads overlapping - the ideal 4-head overlap ensures uniform water distribution across your lawn.

Dry
0.00 in/hr
1 head
0.38 in/hr
2 heads
0.75 in/hr
3 heads
1.13 in/hr
4 heads
1.50 in/hr
5 heads
1.88 in/hr
15.0 ft
Viewing area: 70 ft × 50 ft

Performance Stats

Coverage Overlap 110% overlap improves uniformity and compensates for wind
Avg Application Rate -- inches per hour
Runtime for 0.5" -- minutes
Coverage Area -- sq ft per head
Water Usage -- gal for 0.5" depth

About This Irrigation Spacing Visualizer

This free irrigation spacing visualizer helps you design efficient sprinkler systems by showing real-time coverage patterns and overlap efficiency. Created by Kevin Steed (Greensman), this tool visualizes how sprinkler heads perform with different spacing configurations.

This interactive visualization tool shows you exactly how sprinkler heads overlap, displays application rates in real-time, and helps you optimize coverage efficiency. Perfect for planning new installations or improving existing systems. The tool demonstrates how going 10-20% beyond head-to-head spacing improves uniformity and compensates for wind drift.

Understanding Sprinkler Head Spacing

What is Head-to-Head Spacing?

Head-to-head spacing (100% overlap) is the baseline for sprinkler installation. It means positioning sprinkler heads so that each one's spray pattern just reaches the next head. However, for optimal efficiency, 110% overlap is recommended - spacing heads at 90% of their radius instead of 100%. This extra 10% overlap improves uniformity, compensates for wind drift, and ensures every part of your lawn receives consistent water coverage. In high-wind areas, consider 120% overlap (spacing at 80% of radius).

Rain Bird 5000 Series Spacing Guide

The Rain Bird 5000 is one of the most popular residential rotors. Proper spacing depends on your nozzle size:

  • 3.0 Nozzle: 32-35 ft radius - Space 26-35 feet apart
  • 4.0 Nozzle: 38-42 ft radius - Space 30-42 feet apart
  • 5.0 Nozzle: 42-46 ft radius - Space 34-46 feet apart
  • 6.0 Nozzle: 45-50 ft radius - Space 36-50 feet apart

Spray Head Spacing

Standard spray heads typically have a 15-foot radius. For optimal coverage, space them 12-15 feet apart in square or triangular patterns. Spray heads work best for smaller lawns and garden beds.

Square vs. Diamond Patterns

Square patterns are the most common layout, with heads arranged in a grid. They're easy to install and maintain. Diamond (triangular) patterns provide 15% better coverage efficiency and work well on slopes or irregular areas, but require more precise installation.

How to Use This Tool

  1. Select Your Head Type: Choose between spray heads (15 ft) or Rain Bird 5000 rotors
  2. Pick Your Nozzle: For rotors, select the nozzle size installed in your heads
  3. Choose a Pattern: Square for standard layouts, diamond for efficiency
  4. Adjust Spacing: Use the slider to find the optimal distance between heads
  5. Review Coverage: Green areas show water coverage - darker means more overlap
  6. Check Stats: Review application rate and water usage calculations

Common Spacing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-spacing: Heads too far apart create dry spots and brown patches
  • Mixing nozzle sizes: Using different nozzles on the same zone causes uneven watering
  • Ignoring wind: Windy areas need closer spacing (80% of radius instead of 100%)
  • Poor pressure: Low pressure reduces radius - adjust spacing accordingly
  • Mixing head types: Never mix rotors and spray heads on the same zone