ROOF CATCHMENT YIELD

Rainwater Harvesting Calculator

See the usable rainwater potential of a roof catchment for one storm or a monthly rainfall total.

FREE TOOLLocal
calculation
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01

Enter your measurements

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02

Planning result

Usable capture529.55 gal
Liters2,004.56 L
Theoretical runoff623 gal
System loss93.45 gal

Use this as a planning estimate. Verify product labels, local conditions and supplier packaging before buying or applying materials.

THE FORMULA

How the result is calculated

Captured gallons = roof area × rainfall inches × 0.623 × collection efficiency.

SproutScale preserves full precision while calculating and rounds only the displayed result or the final purchasable unit.

FIELD NOTES

Before you act

  • Use the roof's horizontal footprint, not sloped surface area.
  • Account for first-flush diversion and overflow.
  • Use covered, screened storage and follow local rules.
QUICK ANSWERS

Rainwater harvest FAQ

How much rain comes off a 1,000-square-foot roof?

One inch produces about 623 theoretical gallons; at 85% efficiency, roughly 530 gallons are captured.

Can harvested rainwater be used for drinking?

This calculator addresses volume only. Potable use requires appropriate treatment, testing and local compliance.