A set of four comparative performance indicators is defined, which relates outputs from irrigated agriculture to the major inputs of water and land. These indicators are presented with the objective of providing a means of comparing performance across and within irrigation systems. They require a limited amount of data that are generally available and readily analysed. Four typical applications of these indicators are illustrated: cross-system comparison; temporal variations in performance at one system; spatial variations within one system; and comparing performance by system type. Results of application of the indicators at 40 irrigation systems show large differences in performance among and within systems. In spite of uncertainties in estimation of indicators, the large differences discerned by the indicators justify the approach taken. A set of four comparative performance indicators is defined, which relates outputs from irrigated agriculture to the major inputs of water and land. These indicators are presented with the objective of providing a means of comparing performance across and within irrigation systems. They require a limited amount of data that are generally available and readily analyzed. Four typical applications of these indicators are illustrated: cross-system comparison; temporal variations in performance at one system; spatial variations within one system; and comparing performance by system type. Results of application of the indicators at 40 irrigation systems show large differences in performance among and within systems. In spite of uncertainties in estimation of indicators, the large differences discerned by the indicators justify the approach taken.