AllMyCalculators

Pump Head and Power Calculator

Works out total head and the pump power required.

L/min
m

Negative if the outlet is lower than the water you pump from.

m

Roughly 10–30% of the lift for a typical run. A long or narrow pipe loses more.

bar

1 bar equals about 10.2 m of head.

%
Total head
— m

Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.

Hydraulic power — W
Pump power needed — W
In horsepower — hp
Reading this —

The formula

head = lift + friction + pressure × 10.2 power = flow × density × g × head ÷ efficiency

Head is the height equivalent of everything the pump has to overcome, and power follows from lifting that mass of water per second.

What to watch out for

Pick from the manufacturer’s curve, using this as the operating point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pump head?

The height a pump could raise water. It lets lift, friction and outlet pressure be added in one unit.