Hydraulic Orifice Flow Calculator


This calculator is primarily intended for calculating flow rate through a hydraulic orifice for incompressible fluids. By entering the orifice diameter, pressure drop, discharge coefficient, and fluid specific gravity, the tool instantly computes flow using standard orifice flow equations in SI units. It is well-suited for quick sizing checks, performance estimates, and comparison of different orifice designs. All inputs and results use SI units.

Hydraulic Orifice Calculator – SI Units


Usual values: sharp ≈ 0.61; rounded ≈ 0.98

ρ = 1000*SG (kg/m³)

 
 
 
Q=CA√(2ΔP/ρ), A=πd²/4, ρ=1000*SG; bar→Pa*1e5, mm→m/1000,
m³/s→L/min*60000. Comma or dot accepted.

 

How to Use This Calculator

 

1. Enter fluid and orifice properties
Enter the discharge coefficient (C) for the orifice geometry. Typical values are shown below the input field.
Enter the fluid specific gravity (SG). Density is calculated internally as ρ = 1000 × SG (kg/m³).

 

2. Select what you want to calculate
Use the “Calculate for” dropdown to choose Flow (Q), Pressure drop (ΔP), or Diameter (d). The required input fields update automatically.

 

3. Enter the known values
Depending on the selected mode, enter diameter (mm), pressure drop (bar), or flow rate (L/min). Decimal comma or dot notation is accepted.

 

4. Read the result
The calculated value is displayed immediately below the input fields. The equation used is shown above for reference.


Notes:
This tool assumes steady, incompressible flow and does not account for pipe losses, fittings, or elevation changes.
Results are intended for engineering estimation and sizing. For critical applications, results should be verified against standards or detailed hydraulic analysis.

 


Specific Gravities of Common Fluids

FluidSpecific GravityNotes
Water1,000Reference standard
Hydraulic oil VG 460,870–0,880Base oil and additive dependent
Diesel fuel0,820–0,850Varies by blend and temperature
Gasoline (petrol)0,720–0,780Lower SG → higher volatility
Kerosene (Jet A-1)0,800–0,815Common aviation fuel
Engine oil (SAE 10W-40)0,860–0,890Depends on formulation
Gear oil (SAE 80W-90)0,880–0,910Higher due to additives
Brake fluid (DOT 4)1,040–1,080Glycol-based
Coolant (ethylene glycol 50%)1,070–1,080Water mix dependent
Transmission fluid (ATF)0,830–0,870Similar to light hydraulic oil
Crude oil (light)0,790–0,850Highly variable
Seawater1,025Salinity ≈ 35 ppt
Milk1,028–1,035Slightly denser than water
Mercury13,534Very dense metal

Approximate Orifice Coefficients

L = orifice length, D = orifice diameter, r = entrance radius, C = coefficient of discharge.

 

DescriptionL/Dr/DC
Sharp-edged orifice (thin plate)00,00–0,050,61
Round-edged orifice (fully rounded)00,15–0,250,98
Short tube — separation0,25–0,500,00–0,050,61
Short tube — no separation0,50–1,000,05–0,100,80
Short tube with rounded entrance0,50–1,000,15–0,250,97
Reentrant (Borda) tube, length < 0,5D<0,5000,54
Reentrant tube, length 2–3D2,00–3,0000,72
Borda mouthpiece (classic reentrant)≈1,0000,51
Smooth, well-tapered nozzle2,00–5,000,98