The district is situated on the Deccan Plateau comprising fertile lands drained by the Godavari River, that flows along its southern boundary.

The district is spread over an area of 3,845 square kilometres (1,485 sq mi).

[4] The district is landlocked; It shares boundaries with Adilabad to the north, Komaram Bheem to the northeast, Mancherial to the east, Jagityal and Nizamabad (along with the Godavari) to the south and Nanded District of Maharashtra to the west.

[8] The district has two revenue divisions of Nirmal and Bhainsa, which are in-turn sub-divided into 19 mandals.

Sri Ram Sagar Project is located at the border of the Nirmal and Nizamabad districts.