Home Back

Pipe Flow Velocity Calculator

Flow Velocity Formula:

\[ V = \frac{Q}{\pi \times r^2} \]

m³/s
m
m/s

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is a Pipe Flow Velocity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the velocity of fluid flowing through a pipe based on the volumetric flow rate and pipe radius.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid system designers understand fluid dynamics in piping systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ V = \frac{Q}{\pi \times r^2} \]

Where:

Explanation: The flow rate is divided by the pipe's cross-sectional area (πr²) to determine the average velocity.

3. Importance of Flow Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper velocity calculation ensures efficient system design, prevents erosion, and maintains laminar flow conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in m³/s and pipe radius in meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical flow velocity in pipes?
A: For water systems, 0.5-3 m/s is common, with 1-2 m/s being optimal for most applications.

Q2: Does this work for any pipe shape?
A: This formula is for circular pipes. For other shapes, different area calculations are needed.

Q3: What if I know diameter instead of radius?
A: Simply divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius before entering the value.

Q4: How does viscosity affect the result?
A: This gives average velocity. Actual velocity profiles vary with viscosity (higher near center).

Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses metric units (m³/s and m). For other units, convert first.

Pipe Flow Velocity Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025