🧮

Sprayer Calibration Calculator

Calculate gallons per acre (GPA) using the standard calibration formula. Essential for every pesticide applicator.

GPA Calculator

Formula: GPA = (Nozzle Output x 5,940) / (Speed x Nozzle Spacing)

Collect output from one nozzle for 1 minute in a measuring cup

Measure by timing travel over a known distance at operating conditions

Distance between nozzles on the boom (commonly 20 or 30 inches)

Common Presets

Understanding the Formula

Why 5,940?

The constant 5,940 converts between measurement units: 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft, 1 mile = 5,280 ft, 1 hour = 60 minutes, 1 gallon = 128 oz, and 1 foot = 12 inches. These combine to: (1 x 5,280 x 60) / (128 x 12 x 43,560 / 43,560) = 5,940.

Key Relationships

  • Doubling speed cuts GPA in half
  • Doubling nozzle output doubles GPA
  • Doubling nozzle spacing cuts GPA in half
  • Doubling pressure increases output by only ~41% (square root relationship)

Calibration Tips

  • Collect nozzle output for a full 60 seconds for accuracy
  • Replace any nozzle that varies more than 10% from the average
  • Measure ground speed at actual field operating conditions
  • Recalibrate whenever you change nozzles, pressure, or speed
  • Verify by spraying a measured area and checking volume used