How To Measure Garden Hose Diameter

Understanding The Terminology

When discussing garden hoses, you may encounter terms like "outside diameter" (OD) and "inside diameter" (ID). These terms refer to the size of the hose the outside diameter is the total width of the hose, while the inside diameter is the width of the internal opening. But the two terms might also refer to other measurements, namely the flow rate and the pressure pipe size. With that in mind, it's important to understand these terms before measuring garden hoses.

Measuring the External Diameter

Measuring the OD is the simplest approach as it only requires a measuring tape. Wrap the tape around the widest part of the hose and then read the measurement. For accuracy, make sure the tape is wrapped around the hose without any other material in between.

Measuring the Internal Diameter

To measure the internal diameter, the most common approach is to use a ruler or dial caliper. It's important to make sure the ruler is correctly inserted first. If the hose is flexible, you can insert the ruler into the end of the hose until it reaches the opposite side. The reading on the ruler will be the ID of the hose.

Measuring Flow Rate and Pressure Pipe Size

The terms OD and ID may also refer to the flow rate and pressure pipe size of a garden hose. The flow rate is the amount of water that flows through the hose. In order to measure it, you will need to use a flow rate meter. To measure the pressure pipe size, you will need to use a measuring instrument known as a manometer.

Closing Remarks

Measuring garden hose diameter is a straightforward process but it's important to understand the terminology first. The two main measurements we need to understand are the outside diameter (OD) and the inside diameter (ID). Measuring the OD is the simplest approach, but for the ID, you will need a ruler or caliper. It's also important to understand that the terms OD and ID may also refer to the flow rate and pressure pipe size. That's why it's important to use the right measuring tools to obtain these measurements.