Engineering calculator reviewed for preliminary design use · Last updated: March 2026
Calculate pump total dynamic head (TDH) as the sum of static head, pipe friction losses, and velocity head. Estimate shaft power and motor size accounting for pump efficiency. First step in pump selection and facility design.
What this calculator is used for
Pump head calculation is a fundamental step in selecting pumps for process and
utility systems. A pump must supply enough energy to overcome elevation
difference, piping losses, and required discharge pressure.
Typical engineering use cases
Preliminary pump selection during FEED or basic engineering
Estimating motor power and energy consumption
Evaluating system modifications and their impact on pump duty
Checking adequacy of existing pumps
Governing equation and methodology
Total dynamic head is calculated as the sum of static head, friction losses,
and pressure requirements at the discharge point.
Engineering assumptions and limitations
Single-phase, steady-state flow
Transient effects are not considered
Practical design notes
Design margins are commonly applied to account for fouling and future capacity
increase. Final pump selection should always be verified using manufacturer
performance curves and NPSH calculations.
TDH is the total equivalent height of fluid that a pump must deliver. It includes static head (elevation difference), friction head (pipe and fitting losses), and velocity head. TDH directly determines the required pump performance.
How is pump shaft power calculated?
Shaft power P = (ρ × g × Q × TDH) / η, where η is the pump efficiency. This gives the mechanical power input to the pump shaft, not the motor electrical power.
Does this replace a pump curve analysis?
No. This tool estimates the system requirement. Final pump selection requires matching the system curve with the vendor pump curve, including NPSH verification and best efficiency point analysis.
These results are preliminary estimates for screening-level design use. They do not replace detailed engineering, code compliance verification, or vendor-certified calculations.