Total Dynamic Head Calculator

Easily estimate total head loss in your system

Use this calculator to determine the friction loss through your pipework and add the static head. Just enter your pipe size, length, flow rate, and elevation difference — the tool does the rest. Ideal for sizing pumps accurately.

Total Dynamic Head Calculator

Static differential head (m)

Flow

Tip: choose the unit you work in.

Kinematic viscosity

Water at ~20 °C ≈ 1.0 cSt.

Pipe & Roughness

Pipe material / preset

Nominal OD (mm)

SDR

Pipe length (m)

Surface roughness k (mm)

Edit if using "Custom".

Internal diameter (mm)

If entered, overrides SDR calc.

If an internal diameter is entered, the widget will use it directly. Otherwise ID is calculated from OD and SDR: ID = OD × (1 − 2/SDR).

Fittings (counts)

90° bends

45° bends

Branch tees

Gate valves

Reducers

Enlargers

Advanced: adjust K-values

K_90°

K_45°

K_{branch tee}

K_{gate valve}

K_reducer

K_enlarger

All minor losses use h = K · v²/(2g) at the section velocity.

Results

Internal diameter

— mm

Velocity

— m/s

Reynolds number

—

Friction factor (Darcy)

—

Major head loss

— m

Minor head loss

— m

Dynamic head (friction)

— m

Total head (static + dynamic)

— m

Uses Darcy–Weisbach with Haaland friction approximation; g = 9.81 m/s². Laminar cut-over uses f = 64/Re.

Disclaimer: This tool provides engineering estimates for clean liquids in full pipes. Real systems may differ due to fittings not listed, entrance/exit losses, air/gas content, non-Newtonian fluids, misalignment, or partial blockage. Use engineering judgement and verify against actual site conditions.

FRICTION LOSS + STATIC HEAD CALCULATOR