When to use this calculator
Estimate electricity spending for an irrigation pump run. Uses electrical input power; do not substitute hydraulic output without efficiency correction.
Explore the irrigation & applied water calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Irrigation Gross Depth Calculator: Account for an assumed application efficiency in a water-depth budget.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Irrigation Energy Cost: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Pump electrical input (kW) | 2 |
| Operating hours | 5 |
| Electricity rate per kWh | 0.3 |
| Result | 3 currency units |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Energy cost = input kW × hours × unit price.
- The result is 3 currency units, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Uses electrical input power; do not substitute hydraulic output without efficiency correction.
A water-budget conversion does not establish the crop’s requirement. Use measured flow and effective rainfall where possible. Distribution losses and runoff can make gross application differ from water retained in the root zone.
Frequently asked questions
Does one millimetre of rain equal one litre?
It equals one litre over each square metre of collection area. Total volume therefore depends on both depth and area.
When is the irrigation energy cost calculator useful?
Estimate electricity spending for an irrigation pump run. Uses electrical input power; do not substitute hydraulic output without efficiency correction.
How do I use the irrigation energy cost calculator?
Enter pump electrical input (kw), operating hours, electricity rate per kwh. The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Energy cost = input kW × hours × unit price.
What should I check before using the result?
Uses electrical input power; do not substitute hydraulic output without efficiency correction.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
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