Free Pipe Flow Calculator

Flow Rate Formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

Flow Rate (m³/s):

1. What is a Pipe Flow Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate of fluid through a pipe based on cross-sectional area and flow velocity.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers determine the flow capacity of pipes in various applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = A \times v \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Flow rate (cubic meters per second, m³/s)
\( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square meters, m²)
\( v \) — Flow velocity (meters per second, m/s)

Explanation: The flow rate is simply the product of the pipe's cross-sectional area and the average velocity of the fluid.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for proper pipe sizing, system design, and ensuring efficient fluid transport in plumbing, HVAC, and industrial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pipe's cross-sectional area in m² and the fluid velocity in m/s. For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find the cross-sectional area of a circular pipe?
A: Use the formula A = π × r² where r is the pipe's radius, or use our Pipe Area Calculator tool.

Q2: What's a typical flow velocity for water in pipes?
A: For residential plumbing, 0.5-2 m/s is common. Higher velocities may cause noise and erosion.

Q3: Can I use this for gases or other fluids?
A: Yes, the formula works for any fluid, but ensure consistent units (m² for area and m/s for velocity).

Q4: How does pipe material affect the calculation?
A: Material affects friction loss and maximum velocity, but not this basic flow rate calculation.

Q5: What if I need to convert to other units (like liters/sec)?
A: 1 m³/s = 1000 liters/sec. Multiply the result by 1000 for liters per second.