Pressure Washer Calculator
Calculate PSI and GPM needed for your cleaning job. Match pressure washer to the task. Free calculator.
PSI Requirements by Surface
Cars/boats: 1,200-1,500 PSI with 40-degree (white) tip. Decks/fences: 1,500-2,000 PSI with 25-degree (green) tip. Concrete driveways: 2,500-3,000 PSI with 15-degree (yellow) tip. Paint/graffiti removal: 3,000+ PSI with narrow tip. Using too much pressure damages soft surfaces (wood, siding). Using too little wastes time without cleaning effectively.
Electric vs Gas Pressure Washers
Electric (1,300-2,300 PSI): Quieter, lighter, no emissions, lower maintenance. Sufficient for cars, patios, and light deck cleaning. $100-300. Gas (2,500-4,000 PSI): More powerful, portable (no cord), handles all jobs including concrete. Louder, heavier, requires fuel. $250-600. For most homeowners, a 2,000 PSI electric unit handles 90% of cleaning needs.
A surface cleaner attachment ($40-80) cleans concrete 5x faster and 10x more evenly than a standard wand nozzle. If you own a pressure washer, this is the single best accessory to buy.
