Pumps & Hydraulics

Pump Power & Efficiency Calculator

Calculate hydraulic power, pump shaft power, estimated electrical input and a motor sizing screening value.

I know the flow and head. What shaft kW and motor input should I expect?
General engineeringCheck inputs and project assumptions before acting on the result.
Core formulae

Pump power reference

Hydraulic powerP_h = ρ g Q H
Shaft powerP_shaft = P_h / η_pump
Electrical inputP_in = P_shaft / η_motor
Simple arrangement sketch

Pump energy chain

Flow QPump+ Head HMotorP_h → P_shaft → P_in
1

Duty point and fluid

Use the expected operating flow and total dynamic head.

Why is there no DN or pipe schedule here?

Pipe size and viscosity affect the head required by the system. Once total dynamic head is known, pump hydraulic power depends on flow, head and density. Use the Pipe Pressure Drop calculator first when you still need to establish the system head.

2

Efficiencies and motor comparison

Use the pump and motor data at the actual operating duty point where available.

Results

Power through the system

Hydraulic power9.52 kW
Required shaft power13.22 kW
Estimated electrical input14.37 kW
Screening motor size15.2 kW

Includes 15% margin on shaft power.

Installed motor rating exceeds the screening value

Rating margin: 3.3 kW. Confirm the pump curve, absorbed-power curve, overload conditions and motor service duty.

Method

Hydraulic power = ρgQH. Shaft power divides by pump efficiency; estimated electrical input also divides by motor efficiency.

Job-file record

Save the calculation, not just the number.

Copy a permalink that reloads these inputs, or download a PDF record with inputs, visible results, assumptions, a sensitivity note, date and disclaimer.

Important boundary

A calculator can show the arithmetic. It cannot establish every requirement that applies.

Confirm the actual equipment, loading, materials, condition, jurisdiction, contractual requirements, standard edition and current project documentation before using the result for design, repair, testing or lifting decisions.

Ask an engineer about this calculation →