Cell A10: Elevation (m) = 25 Cell B10: Friction Loss (m) = Calculate per 2.2 below Cell C10: P_discharge (bar) = 4.0 Cell D10: P_suction (bar) = 2.5 Cell E10: TDH (m) = A10 + B10 + (C10 - D10)*10.2 This is where Excel shines for iterative design.
TDH = H_geo + H_friction + (P_discharge - P_suction) * 10.2
Q_m3h = 50 [m³/h] Q_m3s = Q_m3h / 3600 D_m = 0.08 [80 mm] Area = PI() * (D_m/2)^2 v = Q_m3s / Area f = 0.02 (assume clean steel pipe) L = 150 g = 9.81 H_friction = f * (L / D_m) * (v^2 / (2*g)) Create a lookup table for f based on pipe material and Reynolds number using the Moody chart. Use XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH . 2.3 NPSH Available (Net Positive Suction Head) – The Cavitation Check Cavitation destroys pumps. Always calculate NPSHa:
| Output Parameter | Value | Unit | Status | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Dynamic Head | 52.3 | m | ✅ OK | | Flow Rate | 50 | m³/h | ✅ OK | | NPSHa | 4.2 | m | ✅ > NPSHr (3.7 m) | | Required Motor Power | 11 | kW | Select 11 kW / 15 HP | | Velocity | 2.1 | m/s | ⚠️ High (limit 2.0 m/s) | booster pump calculation excel
Mastering Booster Pump Sizing: Why Excel is the Ultimate Tool for Accurate Hydraulic Calculations
A booster pump isn’t just a "water pusher." It is the critical component that ensures adequate pressure and flow in water supply systems—from high-rise buildings and industrial plants to irrigation networks. Under-sizing leads to low pressure at fixtures; over-sizing leads to energy waste, premature wear, and cavitation.
Download a template or build one using the formulas above. Test it against a known installed pump. Refine it with your local pipe material data. Then use it on every project. Have you built your own pump sizing spreadsheet? What’s the most useful feature you’ve added? Let’s discuss in the comments. Cell A10: Elevation (m) = 25 Cell B10:
| Parameter | Unit | Description | Typical Value | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Flow Rate (Q) | m³/h or GPM | Peak demand (fixture units, sprinkler heads, etc.) | Variable | | Suction Pressure (P_suction) | bar or psi | Pressure available at pump inlet (from city main or tank) | 2.5 bar | | Required Discharge Pressure (P_discharge) | bar or psi | Pressure needed at the highest/farthest fixture | 4.0 bar | | Elevation Difference (H_geo) | m or ft | Vertical distance from pump to highest point | 25 m | | Pipe Length (L) | m | Total length of the longest run | 150 m | | Pipe Diameter (D) | mm or in | Nominal bore | 80 mm | | Friction Factor (f) | dimensionless | Darcy-Weisbach or Hazen-Williams C-factor | 0.02 (or C=130) |
The most reliable way to avoid these pitfalls? A well-structured . While dedicated software exists, Excel remains the industry workhorse because it is transparent, customizable, and universally accessible.
NPSHa = P_suction*10.2 - H_vapour - H_suction_friction Download a template or build one using the formulas above
In this post, I’ll break down the key calculations every booster pump sizing spreadsheet must include, complete with formulas and logic. Your Excel sheet should start with a clear Input tab. Without accurate data, the best formulas are useless.
H_friction = f * (L / D) * (v² / (2*g))
| Parameter | Formula | Excel Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Hydraulic Power (P_h) | Q (m³/s) * TDH (m) * ρ * g | = (Q_m3h/3600) * TDH * 1000 * 9.81 | | Shaft Power (P_s) | P_h / Pump Efficiency (η_p) | = P_h / 0.75 (for 75% efficiency) | | Motor Power (P_m) | P_s / Motor Efficiency (η_m) | = P_s / 0.92 |