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Pipe Flow and Head Loss Calculator

Calculate full-pipe head loss or solve flow from an available head budget using actual inside diameter, roughness, viscosity, fittings and elevation.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Actual pipe internal diameter (mm), Straight full-pipe length (m), Absolute pipe roughness (mm), Kinematic viscosity (mm²/s), and 7 more
Output to expect
Full-pipe flow and head loss, Flow from an available head budget
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Full-pipe flow and head loss

Calculate the required head for an actual full-pipe flow with straight-pipe friction, local losses, static lift and residual pressure entered separately.

Head = static + residual + (fL/D + ΣK) × velocity²/(2g); velocity = volumetric flow / pipe area.

Flow from an available head budget

Solve the steady full-pipe flow that uses the supplied source head after static lift, residual pressure and losses. Recalculate friction at every trial flow and stay inside an explicit search range.

Find Q such that static + residual + Darcy/local losses(Q) = available source head.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 13.353473 ft total required head at 30 US gpm

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 46.374754 US gpm at the available head

FAQ

Calculate the required head for an actual full-pipe flow with straight-pipe friction, local losses, static lift and residual pressure entered separately. Solve the steady full-pipe flow that uses the supplied source head after static lift, residual pressure and losses. Recalculate friction at every trial flow and stay inside an explicit search range.

Use the exact equipment data, measurement point, operating conditions and units described in the selected mode. Record source documents, dates and unresolved conditions in Sources and assumptions. Built-in examples illustrate arithmetic; they are not manufacturer ratings or approved designs.

Use Save planning case for an explicit local history entry. Copy MD keeps current inputs and notes; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Export portable copies before clearing storage and save a separate case after changing equipment, conditions or measurements.

About Pipe Flow and Head Loss Calculator

Calculate the required head for an actual full-pipe flow with straight-pipe friction, local losses, static lift and residual pressure entered separately. Solve the steady full-pipe flow that uses the supplied source head after static lift, residual pressure and losses. Recalculate friction at every trial flow and stay inside an explicit search range.