One sprinkler head is designed to cover about how many square feet?

• A. 60 square feet
• B. 80 square feet
• C. 100 square feet
• D. 120 square feet

Answer: (B)

Sprinkler heads are designed to cover a defined area so their spray patterns overlap and provide complete protection. The design assumes a practical spacing that balances how far water reaches with how many heads the system can support. In a typical layout, the spacing between heads is around 8 feet by 10 feet, which results in about eighty square feet of coverage per head. That mid-range area keeps the water distribution effective without needing overly dense head placement or leaving gaps due to spray pattern limitations. If you tried to cover a smaller area per head, you’d need more heads and more piping; if you aimed for a larger area per head, you risk unprotected spots where the spray doesn’t reach. So, eighty square feet per head is the standard figure used for such design reasoning.