Sprayer Mixing Chart: Ounces of Concentrate Per Gallon and Tank
Part of the project planner: Planning a new lawn and garden beds.
The concentrate for one tank is the tank size times the ounces per gallon on the label: at 2 oz per gallon, a 2 gallon sprayer takes 4.0 oz, a 4 gallon backpack sprayer 8 oz. If the label gives a rate per 1,000 square feet, divide it by the gallons of water used on that area. The sprayer mix calculator does both.
Concentrate per tank (fluid ounces)
By tank size and label rate in ounces per gallon:
| Tank | 0.5 oz/gal | 1 oz/gal | 1.5 oz/gal | 2 oz/gal | 3 oz/gal | 4 oz/gal | 6 oz/gal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gal | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| 2 gal | 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 |
| 3 gal | 1.5 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 12.0 | 18.0 |
| 4 gal | 2.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 16.0 | 24.0 |
| 5 gal | 2.5 | 5.0 | 7.5 | 10.0 | 15.0 | 20.0 | 30.0 |
Treating an area
A label rate of 3 oz per 1,000 ft² with 1 gallon of water per 1,000 ft², and a 4 gallon sprayer:
| Area | Concentrate | Water | Tanks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft² | 3.0 oz | 1.0 gal | 1 |
| 2,500 ft² | 7.5 oz | 2.5 gal | 1 |
| 5,000 ft² | 15.0 oz | 5.0 gal | 2 |
| 10,000 ft² | 30.0 oz | 10.0 gal | 3 |
| 20,000 ft² | 60.0 oz | 20.0 gal | 5 |
| 43,560 ft² | 130.7 oz | 43.6 gal | 11 |
At that rate the spray is 3 oz per gallon, so a full 4 gallon tank holds 12 oz of concentrate and covers 4,000 ft².
Useful conversions
| Unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 fluid ounce | 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons = 29.6 mL |
| 1 gallon | 128 fluid ounces = 3.785 liters |
| 1 quart | 32 fluid ounces |
| 1 tablespoon | 0.5 fluid ounce = 14.8 mL |
| 1 acre | 43,560 ft² = 43.56 thousand ft² |
Mixing safely
- Read the whole label first: the rate, the protective gear, the weather limits and the re-entry time.
- Measure the concentrate with a cup or syringe kept for chemicals only.
- Fill the tank about half with water, add the concentrate, then top up and agitate.
- Calibrate the sprayer by spraying a measured 1,000 ft² with plain water, so you know how many gallons it applies.
- Mix only what you will use. Rinse the tank, and dispose of left-overs as the label says.
- Never exceed the label rate.
See also the lawn fertilizer calculator and the acreage calculator to find the area.
Frequently asked questions
How much concentrate per gallon of water?
Whatever the label says. At 2 oz per gallon a 2 gallon sprayer takes 4.0 oz, a 4 gallon one 8 oz and a 1 gallon one 2 oz.
How many tablespoons is an ounce?
There are 2 tablespoons in a fluid ounce, 6 teaspoons, and about 30 milliliters.
How do I convert ounces per 1,000 square feet to ounces per gallon?
Divide the rate by the gallons of water used per 1,000 ft². A rate of 3 oz per 1,000 ft² at 1 gallon per 1,000 ft² is 3 oz per gallon.
How much area does a 2 gallon sprayer cover?
At 1 gallon of water per 1,000 ft², 2,000 ft² per tank. Calibrate your own sprayer, since the output varies.
Can I use more than the label rate to be sure?
No. The label rate is the legal maximum, and more can harm plants, soil, pets and the environment, and does not work better.
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