Watering and hoses
3/4 vs 5/8 inch garden hose
A 3/4 inch hose moves the most water of any common garden hose, which helps on long runs and with big sprinklers. For most home gardens, though, a 5/8 inch hose does the job and is easier to drag around and store.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
Compared
| 5/8 inch | 3/4 inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Flow over distance | Good | Best |
| Weight | Moderate | Heaviest, especially full of water |
| Storage | Fits most reels | Needs a larger reel |
| Typical use | Home gardens, lawns, washing | Long runs, large lots, high-flow sprinklers, farm and commercial use |
When 3/4 inch is worth it
- Your hose run is very long, for example 100 feet or more.
- You run a large sprinkler that needs high flow.
- You fill tanks or troughs and want them to fill faster.
A wider hose only helps if your faucet and water supply can deliver more water. If your home's flow is low, a bigger hose will not fix it. Test with a bucket first; see garden hose flow rate.
When 5/8 inch is the better buy
For beds, pots, lawns and car washing within about 50 to 75 feet of the tap, a 5/8 inch hose is lighter, cheaper and easier to coil, and the flow difference is small. Most nozzles, soaker hoses and reels are made with it in mind. See also 5/8 vs 1/2 inch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3/4 inch garden hose worth it?
Only if you need high flow over a long run, such as large sprinklers or filling tanks. For most home gardens a 5/8 inch hose is enough and much easier to handle.
Does a 3/4 inch hose increase water pressure?
It reduces pressure loss along the hose, so more water reaches the end. It cannot add pressure beyond what your faucet supplies.
Do 3/4 inch hoses fit normal faucets?
Yes. They normally use the same 3/4 inch garden hose thread as smaller hoses.
Related
Sources
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.