Booster Pump Calculation Excel -
(Note: 10.2 converts bar to meters of water)
H_friction = f * (L / D) * (v² / (2*g))
TDH = H_geo + H_friction + (P_discharge - P_suction) * 10.2 booster pump calculation excel
| Parameter | Unit | Description | Typical Value | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Flow Rate (Q) | m³/h or GPM | Peak demand (fixture units, sprinkler heads, etc.) | Variable | | Suction Pressure (P_suction) | bar or psi | Pressure available at pump inlet (from city main or tank) | 2.5 bar | | Required Discharge Pressure (P_discharge) | bar or psi | Pressure needed at the highest/farthest fixture | 4.0 bar | | Elevation Difference (H_geo) | m or ft | Vertical distance from pump to highest point | 25 m | | Pipe Length (L) | m | Total length of the longest run | 150 m | | Pipe Diameter (D) | mm or in | Nominal bore | 80 mm | | Friction Factor (f) | dimensionless | Darcy-Weisbach or Hazen-Williams C-factor | 0.02 (or C=130) |
NPSHa = (D10*10.2) - 0.34 - H_friction_suction Condition: NPSHa must be > NPSHr (from pump curve) by at least 0.5 m. Once you have TDH and Q, calculate hydraulic, shaft, and motor power. (Note: 10
| Output Parameter | Value | Unit | Status | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Dynamic Head | 52.3 | m | ✅ OK | | Flow Rate | 50 | m³/h | ✅ OK | | NPSHa | 4.2 | m | ✅ > NPSHr (3.7 m) | | Required Motor Power | 11 | kW | Select 11 kW / 15 HP | | Velocity | 2.1 | m/s | ⚠️ High (limit 2.0 m/s) |
=CEILING(P_m, 1.5) ' Rounds up to nearest 1.5 kW or 2 HP Create a clean Output section that automatically updates: A booster pump isn’t just a "water pusher
Cell A10: Elevation (m) = 25 Cell B10: Friction Loss (m) = Calculate per 2.2 below Cell C10: P_discharge (bar) = 4.0 Cell D10: P_suction (bar) = 2.5 Cell E10: TDH (m) = A10 + B10 + (C10 - D10)*10.2 This is where Excel shines for iterative design.
A booster pump isn’t just a "water pusher." It is the critical component that ensures adequate pressure and flow in water supply systems—from high-rise buildings and industrial plants to irrigation networks. Under-sizing leads to low pressure at fixtures; over-sizing leads to energy waste, premature wear, and cavitation.
Download a template or build one using the formulas above. Test it against a known installed pump. Refine it with your local pipe material data. Then use it on every project. Have you built your own pump sizing spreadsheet? What’s the most useful feature you’ve added? Let’s discuss in the comments.