Pump Head Calculator — Total Dynamic Head (TDH)

Short answerTDH = static head + friction head + pressure head (+ velocity head). Static is the vertical rise; friction is pipe and fitting losses at the design flow; pressure head converts required psi to feet (psi × 2.31 for water).

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How it's calculated

A pump must overcome the elevation change, the friction of pipe and fittings, and any pressure needed at the outlet. Sum these in feet of head at the design flow, then read that point against the pump curve. Friction rises with the square of flow, so head grows quickly as you push more GPM.

TDH = H_static + H_friction + H_pressure H_pressure(ft) = psi × 2.31 (water)

Worked example

Static 40 ft, friction 15 ft, 20 psi outlet.
H_pressure = 20 × 2.31 = 46.2 ft.
TDH = 40 + 15 + 46.2 = 101 ft.

Reference tables

Head components

Component	Source
Static head	vertical rise, source to destination
Friction head	pipe + fittings at design flow
Pressure head	required outlet psi × 2.31 (water)

A number the tables do not give: 20 psi of required outlet pressure alone adds about 46 ft of head for water (psi × 2.31).

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FAQ

Why convert psi to feet?

Pump curves are in feet of head; for water, 1 psi ≈ 2.31 ft. Other fluids scale by specific gravity.

Static head — total or net?

Use the net vertical difference between source and destination liquid surfaces; a flooded suction reduces it.

Does friction depend on flow?

Yes, roughly with the square of flow — doubling GPM roughly quadruples friction head, so size pipe accordingly.

What about NPSH?

TDH sizes the pump’s head; NPSH available vs required is a separate suction check to avoid cavitation.

This page is a reference aid. Always verify against the pump curve and hydraulic references. Figures shown are for orientation, not a stamped design.

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