The Darcy-Weisbach equation with the Moody diagram are considered to be the most

accurate model for estimating frictional head loss in steady pipe flow. Since the approach
requires a not so efficient trial and error iteration an alternative empirical head loss
calculation like the Hazen-Williams equation may be preferred:
f = 0.2083 (100 / c)
1.852
q
1.852
/ d
h
4.8655
(1)
where
f = friction head loss in feet of water per 100 feet of pipe (ft
h20
/100 ft pipe)
c = Hazen-Williams roughness constant
q = volume flow (gal/min)
d
h
= inside hydraulic diameter (inches)
Note that the Hazen-Williams formula is empirical and lacks a theoretical basis. Be aware
that the roughness constants are based on "normal" condition with approximately 1 m/s (3
ft/sec).
Related Mobile Apps from The Engineering ToolBox
Water Pipes Head Loss Calculator App
- free apps for offline use on mobile devices.
Online Hazens-Williams Calculator
Imperial Units
The calculators below can used to calculate the specific head loss (head loss per 100 ft (m)
pipe) and the actual head loss for the actual length of pipe:
100
l - pipe or tube length (ft)
140
c - design coefficient determined for the type of pipe or tube
200
q - flow rate (gal/min)
3
d
h
- inside hydraulic diameter (inch)
SI Units
30
l - pipe or tube length (m)
140
c - design coefficient determined for the type of pipe or tube
10
q - flow rate (litre/sec)
76
d
h
- inside hydraulic diameter (mm)
Hazen-Williams equation in an Excel template
The Hazen-Williams equation is not the only empirical formula available. Manning's formula
is common for gravity driven flows in open channels.
The flow velocity can be calculated as
v = 0.408709 q / d
h
2
(2)
where
v = flow velocity (ft/s)
The Hazen-Williams equation can be assumed to be relatively accurate for piping systems
with Reynolds Numbers above 10
5
(turbulent flow).
1 ft (foot) = 0.3048 m
1 in (inch) = 25.4 mm
1 gal (US)/min =6.30888x10
-5
m
3
/s = 0.227 m
3
/h = 0.0631 dm
3
(liter)/s = 2.228x10
-3

ft
3
/s = 0.1337 ft
3
/min = 0.8327 Imperial gal (UK)/min
Note! The Hazen-Williams formula gives accurate head loss due to friction for fluids with
kinematic viscosity of approximately 1.1 cSt. More about fluids and kinematic viscosity.
The results for the formula is acceptable for cold water at 60
o
F (15.6
o
C) with kinematic
viscosity 1.13 cSt. For hot water with a lower kinematic viscosity (0.55 cSt at 130
o
F (54.4
o
C)) the error will be significant.
Since the Hazen Williams method is only valid for water flowing at ordinary temperatures
between 40 to 75
o
F, the Darcy Weisbach method should be used for other liquids or gases.