Orifice Flow Calculator

Water

Orifice Flow Calculator

Calculate water flow through a circular orifice from opening diameter, water head and discharge coefficient.

Vertical water level above the centre of the orifice.
0.61 is a common starting value for a sharp-edged, fully contracted orifice.
Flow Rate
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Estimated water discharge through the circular opening.
Flow rate —
Flow rate —
Flow rate —
Flow rate —
Theoretical velocity —
Effective discharge velocity —
Orifice area —
Discharge coefficient —
Method: Orifice area = π × diameter² ÷ 4. Theoretical exit velocity = √(2gh). Actual discharge is estimated using: Q = Cd × A × √(2gh) where Q is flow rate, Cd is the discharge coefficient, A is orifice area, g is gravitational acceleration and h is water head above the orifice. A discharge coefficient near 0.61 is commonly used for a fully contracted sharp-edged orifice, but the actual coefficient varies with orifice geometry, edge condition, approach flow and surrounding boundaries. This calculator assumes free discharge to a lower-pressure region and does not account for submerged downstream conditions or significant approach velocity.