Friction Loss Calculator

Hose Diameter .75 inch1 inch1.25 inch1.5 inch1.75 inch2 inch2.5 inch3 inch3.5 inch4 inch4.5 inch5 inch6 inch

Hose Length (feet)

Flow Rate (GPM)

Calculate

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Friction Loss:{{ output_frictionloss }} PSI

A {{ output_length }} foot length of {{ output_hosesize }} inch hose flowing {{ output_gpm }} GPM has {{ output_frictionloss }} PSI friction loss.

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Friction Loss Explained

Friction loss occurs when water passes through a hose. Hose length, diameter, and GPM (volume) all affect friction loss. As water passes through a hose, friction between the water and the inside surface of the hose causes turbulence, which slows the water. The results in a PSI drop (pressure loss) at the other end of the hose. The higher the gpm passing through a hose, the more turbulance and friction loss will result.

Fire Engine Operator Tools

• Friction loss calculator
  Quickly solve friction loss for any length, GPM & hose sizes.
  Ex: 200 ft 1 3/4" hose with 150 gpm & 200 ft 2 1/2" hose with 300 gpm
• Friction loss tables
  List of printable friction loss tables for all common hose sizes
  Ex: 1 3/4" Friction Loss Table & 2 1/2" Friction Loss Table
• Friction loss cheat sheet
  Compact friction loss table for hose sizes & gpm combo. Limited to 100' increments & larger jumps between gpm.
• Friction loss formula Math formula to solve friction loss. Effective, but more time consuming & error prone.
• Instructions on calculating pump discharge pressure
  Learn pump pressure management combining elevation change, hose friction loss & appliance friction loss.
• Pump and plumbing diagram
  Visual tool to map a fire engine's pump and plumbing. Follow the water to learn how the pump, valves and plumbig work together to deliver water to the fire.