Hydraulics

Pipe size guide

Pipe size is the inverse of flow: if you know the target flow and an acceptable velocity, you can estimate a useful diameter. This guide shows the basic logic before you open the calculator.

How it works

Diameter comes from flow and velocity

Core relationship

Area = flow / velocity

Diameter = 2 × sqrt(area / pi)

Practical note

The final pipe choice still depends on pressure loss, fittings, elevation, and the acceptable velocity for the system.

When to use it

Good for rough sizing decisions

Branch sizing

Choose a diameter for a known branch flow before you commit to a size.

Quick comparison

Compare the effect of a higher or lower velocity target on diameter.

Planning stage

Useful before detailed hydraulic design or supplier selection.

Related pages

Pipe size examples

Pipe size calculator

Open the main inverse calculator.

Open calculator

What pipe size for 10 L/min?

See a low-flow sizing example.

Open page

What pipe size for 50 L/min?

See a higher-flow branch example.

Open page