Differential Pressure Calculator
Differential Pressure Calculator: Predict Flow Meter Pressure Drop
Differential-pressure flow meters like orifice plates, venturis, and pitot tubes all rely on the same underlying physics: flow rate is proportional to the square root of the pressure drop across the device. This calculator inverts that relationship to predict the differential pressure a meter will produce at a given flow rate.
The Formula
dP = (Flow Rate / K)²
Worked Example
A flow meter with a K-factor of 2 is expected to pass a flow rate of 10 units.
dP = (10 / 2)² = 25 (in the pressure units the K-factor was calibrated to)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the expected flow rate through the meter.
- Enter the meter's K-factor from its calibration sheet.
- Click Calculate to get the expected differential pressure.
Related Calculations
Use with the Orifice Flow Calculator for a first-principles orifice sizing check.