5/8 or 3/4 Garden Hose: Which is Better & What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the 5/8 inch vs the 3/4 inch garden hose are as follows: a 5/8 inch garden hose basically provides a good water volume and sufficient water pressure for domestic consumption. A 3/4 garden hose is the choice for larger usage of water. Most 3/4 inch hoses supply 64% more water than 5/8 inch ones.

The Difference between 5/8″ and 3/4″ Garden Hose

Hose Diameter

5/8 inch diameter for garden hoses is smaller than 3/4 inch ones. If you will convert, 5/8 inch hoses basically measure 1.5875 cm while 3/4 inch ones measure 1.905 cm.

Significantly, the diameter of a hose affects the pressure of the water. In addition, the length of the hose is also an important factor in the output.

Hence, 5/8 inch hose gives lesser amount of water but more pressure because it has a smaller diameter compared with 3/4 inch ones.

Water Volume

Since the length and the diameter of the water hose affect the pressure, it might also affect its water volume. For instance, a 5/8 inch hose has a length of 25 ft. it can be expected to produce 44 gpm (gallons per minute) while a 3/4 inch hose with of same length is expected to produce 72 gpm.

If the hose has a wider diameter, it can be expected to produce more water volume because the water can flow freely and easily, but since the diameter in the first example is smaller, the accumulated amount of water is lesser in volume.

Application

The 5/8 inch diameter garden hose is typically designed for household use. It is the standard size of almost all hoses and hose attachment accessories. On the other hand, 3/4 inch garden hoses are normally used for commercial and professional services like public gardens and water parks.

In general, 3/4 inch garden hoses are more convenient and time-saving for gardeners because they provide extra water flow, while domestic yards only need 5/8 inch hose for basic water supply and maintenance.

Differing Lengths

Garden hoses have anywhere from 25 ft. to 100 ft. lengths.

A 5/8 inch diameter hose that is 100 feet long can produce 11 gallons per minute while a 3/4 inch hose that is also 100 feet long can produce 18 gallons per minute.

This we can say that hoses with wider mouth (diameter) produces greater output. Also, take note that the longer the length of the hose is, the lower water pressure at its end.

Cost

The cost of a garden hose basically depends on how big its diameter is. The larger the diameter, the more costly it is.

A typical hose costs around $5 to $40 but it will still depend on its length, diameter, and quality of material.

In addition, the material is also a big factor, such that higher quality materials like rubber mixed with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are more expensive.

Which Is Better: 5/8 or 3/4 Garden Hose?

When to Use 5/8 inch Garden Hose

5/8 inch Garden hoses are best used for common domestic purposes and for basic gardening. If you have a garden at home or in your backyard, you can use this universal size garden hose.

5/8 inch Garden Hoses are also easier to move around, so you can use them to water your plants on a regular basis. They are also easy to stack and the fittings are affordable.

When to Use 3/4 inch Garden Hose

3/4 inch Garden hoses are best to use for larger gardens or aqua parks that require strong water pressure. Since the diameter of 3/4 inch garden hoses are wider, they are great in working with larger areas.

The total gallons of water per minute and its overall pressure can handle even a steep hill, which is why it is recommendable to use for larger purposes.

The Final Verdict

Both 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch garden hoses are good to use, but to choose what option would be best for your needs, you should consider the size of the area you will water and how much water volume you would need.

For typical gardening usage, 5/8 inch diameter hose is the most preferred choice by gardeners, but if you have a larger garden, professionals use the wider one, which is the 3/4 diameter hose for faster water distribution and maximum water volume.

Thus, if you are planning to purchase one, the 3/4 inch is more practical to buy so you can maximize its usage whenever you need all the water pressure and volume.

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