Calculation sequence
Step-by-step method
- Confirm flow, total dynamic head, and specific gravity describe the same point.
- Multiply flow by head and specific gravity.
- Apply the 3960 gpm-ft/hp conversion.
MechanicalIntermediatePumps
Pump Water Horsepower Calculator
Calculate hydraulic power imparted to a liquid from flow, head, and specific gravity.
Why it matters: Hydraulic output power is distinct from pump shaft power and motor electrical input.
Calculated result
Engineering evaluation
Hydraulic liquid power (Whyd)10.1 water hp
- Entered pump flow (Q)
- 500 gpm
- Entered pump head (H)
- 80 ft
- Entered specific gravity (SG)
- 1 ratio
Engineering interpretation
The entered operating point imparts 10.1 water hp to the liquid. This excludes pump, coupling, motor, and drive losses.
Motor-driven equipment
Estimate electrical demand and energy use
Use nameplate information and an operating schedule to screen motor input power, current, annual energy, and operating cost. Results update automatically.
Choose the motor nameplate output-power convention.
Rated shaft output, not electrical input.
Used to estimate current; it does not change the hp-based energy result.
Use efficiency at the evaluated load point when available.
Use measured or defensible operating load rather than motor nameplate size alone.
Used only for the estimated current calculation.
Assumes all selected motors operate concurrently at the entered load.
Replace the profile with the actual occupied, process, or control schedule.
$/kWh
Use the applicable marginal utility energy charge; demand charges are not included.Estimated result
Total motor input power (Pin,total)6.21 kW
- Current per motor (I)
- 9.18 A
- Total coincident current (Itotal)
- 9.18 A
- Daily energy (Ed)
- 50 kWh/day
- Annual operating hours (Hy)
- 2,080 h/year
- Annual energy (Ey)
- 12,925 kWh/year
- Annual energy cost (Cy)
- $1,551/year
Equations and assumptions
Nameplate-based screening method
Horsepower is converted using 1 hp = 0.7457 kW. This estimate assumes steady average load and the entered operating-point efficiency. Voltage and power factor affect estimated current, but hp, load, efficiency, quantity, and schedule establish the energy estimate. VFD speed profiles, cycling, standby power, demand charges, and process variation require separate evaluation.
Technical basis: U.S. Department of Energy — Determining Electric Motor Load and EfficiencyEngineering knowledge center
Understand the calculation—not just the answer
Governing relationships
Whyd = QH·SG/3960
Current substitution
Whyd = 500×80×1/3960 = 10.1 water hp.
Equation legend
Inputs and calculated quantities
- Q
- Pump flow — gpm or L/s
- H
- Pump head — ft or m
- SG
- Fluid specific gravity — ratio
- Whyd
- Hydraulic liquid power — water hp
- Q
- Entered pump flow — gpm
- H
- Entered pump head — ft
- SG
- Entered specific gravity — ratio
Applications
How this calculation is used
Building design
Screen hydraulic power at a scheduled pump point.
Construction
Check field flow and head before evaluating motor load.
Commissioning
Calculate useful liquid power at the measured operating point.
Quality controls
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- Entered values describe the same stable operating condition.
- Units, pressure definitions, fluid properties, and equipment boundaries are applied consistently.
Limitations
- This tool supports preliminary evaluation and field verification; it does not replace manufacturer curves or project-specific engineering analysis.
- Project criteria, applicable standards, measurement uncertainty, and authorized professional judgment remain controlling.
Field use
Verification procedure
- Confirm the approved reference condition, instrument range, and calculation boundary.
- Stabilize the system and record calibrated field measurements.
- Compare the result with current manufacturer data and project requirements before disposition.
Common engineering mistakes
- Mixing measurements from different operating conditions or equipment boundaries.
- Treating a calculated screening status as automatic acceptance.
Technical basis
References and source standards
- U.S. Department of Energy—Improving Pumping System PerformanceFederal sourcebook covering pump head, power, efficiency, system curves, speed control, and pumping-system evaluation.
- ASHRAE Handbook—FundamentalsCurrent handbook chapters covering fluid flow, pressure relationships, system curves, and mechanical-system fundamentals; the licensed edition must be verified during professional review.
Engineering calculation disclaimer
These engineering tools are provided for educational, preliminary evaluation, field verification, and commissioning support. Results depend on the accuracy of user-entered information and the assumptions stated for each calculation. Every colored status and comparison is a screening indicator only; project criteria, contract requirements, applicable codes, manufacturer instructions, measurement uncertainty, and authorized engineering judgment govern. The tools do not replace project-specific engineering analysis or the judgment of a licensed professional engineer.
Read the full use and limitation statement