Pump Head Guide
Pump head is the energy per unit weight needed to move water through the system at the target flow.
What matters most
Flow rate, pipe diameter, pipe length, fittings, and static elevation all affect required pump head. Higher velocity usually increases friction loss sharply.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring local losses from valves, bends, strainers, and equipment.
- Confusing closed-loop static pressure with operating head.
- Selecting a pump without checking the manufacturer pump curve.
When to use the calculator
Use it for quick preliminary estimates before building a detailed system curve.