The diameter of a garden hose plays a significant role in bringing your lawn and garden to life each year. Using the right size hoses around the yard can make a big difference in efficiency compared to using whatever hose is close by.
Measuring the diameter of a garden hose correctly is one of the first tasks in selecting the right hose or hose attachment for the job you need to get done.
However, even the most experienced lawn-owners sometimes find that measuring the diameter of a garden hose and it’s related fittings can be a daunting task.
But, it doesn’t have to be, we can make it easy to accurately measure the inside diameter of any hose you have in the lawn or garden.
Garden hoses are typically 1/2″, 5/8″, or 3/4″ in diameter although the width of their connectors are larger and can vary quite a bit. The only way to measure the inside diameter of the hose is to insert something in one end and measure it instead. If you can slip a 5/8″ dowel into the hose end snug then you’ll know its size.
Likewise, 3/4″ dowels will go into a larger hose and in the off chance your 5/8″ dowel is loose inside the hose then you may have a less commonly found 1/2″ diameter hose.
Not everyone has dowels of these sizes just sitting around the house though so there are other methods to getting these inside measurements which I’ll go into a little further down this page.
You can also see this video for more info on using the outside diameter of your hose to identify the inside diameter. Most 5/8″ hoses have an outside diameter measuring between 0.77 inches and 1.00 inches. If your hoses’s outside diameter is less than 0.77″ then it’s probably a 1/2″ hose. If your hoses outside diameter measures greater than 1-inch in width then it is most likely a 3/4″ hose.
There are a number of important reasons why you’ll want to know these measurements. They can effect everything from water flow rates, to water pressure (PSI) to the distance your water can travel through the hose. Let’s begin to address these issues now. Following that we’ll go over alternative step-by-step processes for measuring the diameter of a hose with our without the aforementioned dowels.
If you want to skip the next section and jump straight to the tutorial on measuring the width of your hose then click this link.
Why Do I Need to Measure the Diameter of a Garden Hose?
Garden hoses don’t last a lifetime and you’ll have to buy a new one eventually. There’s nothing worse than coming home with a brand new garden hose that is completely different from the size, ply, length, or fitting as the one you’ve been using for years.
The more you know, especially the diameter measurement, the more consistent your tool repurchase and gardening technique.
The Diameter of Your Hose Affects Water Pressure as Measured by PSI
The diameter of a garden hose greatly impacts the water pressure being released from the hose.
The flow rate of a garden hose is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and determines how quickly water pumps through the garden hose.
The size of the garden hose diameter will determine the stream of the psi. Depending on the water source and what you are using it for, you may need a water pressure regulator to protect your attachments or drip systems. Also knowing the diameter of your hose may be necessary for selecting an appropriate regulator.
Here is an example of a pressure regulator that you can attach to your garden hose system on Amazon.
You can also see this post on our site where we’ve discussed a few different solutions to low outdoor water pressure.
Most importantly, the internal diameter of a hose is often how it’s identified.
This measurement says a lot about what purpose the host serves and at what scale.
For example, a ¾ inch hose is generally reserved for professional use. Don’t be surprised if a salesman asks you to double check that measurement if you walk into the home and garden section of a store asking for a ¾ inch diameter hose.
GHT vs NHT vs BSP: They Are All Different
The functionality of your most prized garden tool requires an in-depth awareness of all its working parts including some of the following expert tips:
- The Thread Size of a Standard Garden Hose.
- If you live in the USA or Canada, you probably are familiar with the term Garden Hose Thread (GHT) which is the standard thread for garden hoses. The official title though is National Hose Thread (NHT).
Couplers which have thin walls on the hoses which are made from thin-walled materials have two different designs.
The terms National Hose (NH) describes threads that are made from thick materials. These thick materials are usually used to form valves and other fittings.
Notice that valves and fittings are usually made by cutting and rolling thread pitch (11.5 threads per inch).
All the designations of the fitting have the same size. However, they can be specified according to the internal dimensions of the hose or the pipe.
The standard fittings are either 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH.
Notice that ¾” and 5/8″ are the internal diameters of the hose of the pipe while 11.5 is the thread pitch.
- One of the most common myths is that Garden Hose Thread (GHT) can be compatible with National Pipe Tapered (NPT); well, they are NOT.
- If you live anywhere else outside the USA and Canada, the British Standard Pipe Thread standard (BSP) is what is used to determine thread size.
All the domestic fittings formed according to the British Standard Pipe Thread standard has ¾ inch BSP. The thread pitch is 14 threads per inch.
Taps and fittings used for other non-domestic purposes such as farms, factories are different. These taps and fittings use a one-inch British Standard Pipe Thread standard.
What Are Normal Garden Hose Fitting Sizes?
There are four different inner diameters of garden hoses:
- 3/8″ 10mm,
- 1/2″ 12.5mm,
- 5/8″ 15mm or
- 3/4″ 19mm.
Usually ¾-inch hoses are used for professional purposes and wouldn’t be considered to be a normal residential hose.
See this post for more on choosing the right garden hose.
How Many GPM Do Garden Hoses Put Out Based on Hose Diameter?
GPM or Gallons per Minute can be detected when you know more about the flow rate of your garden hose.
Here are the four main factors determining your garden hose flow rate.
1. The Hose Diameter
Standard golden hoses are available in 3 sizes; 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch. These sizes determine the internal diameter of the hose. You should choose the size according to the number of gallons you want. Smaller diameter means fewer gallons per minute.
2. Water Pressure
The water pressure is another important factor in determining the flow rate of your garden hose. Water pressure determines the speed of the water through the hose.
Knowing the water pressure is essential for getting the best hose for your garden.
3. Hose Length
There are 4 lengths of garden hoses; 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-foot. The longer your garden hose is, the lower the flow rate will be.
4. Flow Rate Estimation
Due to the presence of many factors; it is difficult to estimate the flow rate.
Using a garden hose without determining the flow rate means you will supply your garden with water without knowing the exact amount of time to stop.
The best and simplest way to determine the flow rate is by using a gallon bucket and watch the time. For example, if it takes 10 minutes to fill a 20-gallon bucket, it means that the flow rate is 2 gallons per minute.
Are Garden Hose Fittings NPT or Compatible to FIP?
Garden hoses are not compatible with NPT. Female International Pipe (FIP) can be compatible with your garden hose.
Notice that there are many abbreviations used. You need to make sure that your garden hose is compatible with all the accessories you are going to use before purchasing anything.
A Quick Comparison of 5/8″ & 3/4″ Garden Hose Sizes
There are many differences between these two types of garden hoses. Here are five of the main differences.
1. Water Volume
5/8-inch hoses are smaller in diameter than 3/4 –inch hoses; that is why they provide your garden with narrower water stream than the 3/4-inch ones.
The diameter and the length of the hose determine the final amount of water coming out of it.
Use 5/8-inch hose carefully to avoid puddling and flooding. If you want a hose providing more water volume, choose the 3/4-inch hose.
2. Application
Most people choose 5/8-inch diameter hoses for their gardens and all accessories fit into them. 3/4-inch hoses are usually used for professional purposes such as public gardens and parks.
Workers need large water volume to save time and cover larger areas; that is why they use 3/4-inch hoses.
Our gardens don’t need this whole amount of water; that is why 5/8-inch hoses are the best unless you have a really wide garden.
3. Lengths
The two types of hoses are available in different lengths from 35 to 100 feet long. Choose the best for your garden according to its width and notice that the longer the hose is, the lower the water volume will be.
4. Cost
3/4-inch hoses are more expensive than 5/8-inch hoses.
5. Weight
Notice that 3/4-inch hoses are heavier than 5/8-inch hoses. The extra construction material of 3/4-inch hoses makes them heavier and more difficult to use in small gardens.
For Reference: 3/4-Inch Hoses VS 5/8-Inch Hoses
| Features | 3/4-inch hoses | 5/8-inch hoses |
| Water Volume | More | Less |
| Applications | Domestic Gardens | Professional Uses |
| Cost | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Step By Step: How to Measure the Diameter of a Garden Hose:
There are many ways to measure the diameter of your garden hose. However, most of them are really complicated. That is why we did the thinking for you and came up with the simplest ways to measure your garden hose diameter.
1. Look Closely On Your Hose for Markings
The first and simplest way to find out the diameter of your garden hose is to check the hose itself. Many hoses have the exact diameter printed right on on them to avoid customers this fuss. For older hoses these markings may have worn off and many newer hoses don’t have them but it would be silly not to check first.
Sellers who happen to have a lot of experience in dealing with garden hoses may know the diameter as well, sometimes even at a glance. Just ask a seller of irrigation supplies with the hose in hand and he or she may be able to give you the answer on the spot even if the diameter is not printed on the hose itself.
If the diameter is not printed, don’t worry. We have other simple methods to measure it.
2. Putting Something Inside the Hose (The Dowel Way):
Inserting something inside your garden hose is another simple way to measure its diameter.
Hoses usually have specific sizes such as 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 5/8 inch. However, inserting something inside will tell you the exact size.
Notice that you have to remove any accessories before trying this method. Also, avoid inserting any sharp objects in order not to cause any damages or get the hose punctured.
Inserting a dowel is really easy and will tell you the exact size of your hose according to the dowel that fits the hose.
3. Use an Index Card Instead of a Dowel
If you like experimenting, you may like this method the most. It is the most complicated one but its results are precise.
It is better to try the first two methods first and if they didn’t work properly, go for the Index Card Method.
Here are the steps of this method.
- Remove any kind of accessories or nozzles from the hose.
- Take an index card and roll it into a tube then insert the tube into the opening at the end of your hose. Make sure at least half of the tube is inside the hose before starting on step 3.
- The tube must be allowed to open all the way on the inside the hose.
- Next tape the tube so that it holds it’s cylindrical shape when you remove it from the hose.
- Carefully remove the paper tube from the hose without letting it unravel.
- Finally measure the diameter of the inserted side of the paper tube with a ruler or tape measure. This should be the exact inside diameter of your garden hose.
Standard sizes include 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch hoses.
I hope we have answered all the questions you have. It is important to know how to measure the diameter of your garden hose for the best gardening experience.
Here are a few related articles you may find interesting:
So, Why Don’t You Just Measure The End of a Hose With a Tape Measure?
This was the first question that came to my mind when I started researching this topic.
However, it turns out that there’s actually a good reason behind that! The ends of a hose are not always the same diameter as the rest of the hose! They are usually a tad bit wider.
So, you just can’t take the diameter of the ends and assume it to be the same as the rest of it. So, while this method would have been the simplest, it really isn’t a good option.
In almost all; hoses the connections that are on either end of a hose are typically wider than the hose itself and each brand of hose will have different size connections as there is no uniform size.
It would make sense to measure the width of the connection and then subtract the connection but this just isn’t reliable.
Finally, I hope you’ll find something else helpful on our site. Here are a few more popular articles related to hoses.