Well Pump Sizing Calculator

Calculate pump capacity and horsepower requirements

Well Information

Depth to water at rest
Water drop during pumping
From well test

System Requirements

Demand Calculation

Pump Requirements

Recommended Pump Size --
Required Flow Rate --
Total Dynamic Head (TDH) --
Pumping Level --
Friction Loss --
Pressure Head --
Pressure Tank Size --
Pump Setting Depth --
System notes will appear here.

TDH Formula

TDH = Pumping Level + Pressure Head + Friction Loss + Elevation

Pumping Level = Static Level + Drawdown

Pressure Head = PSI x 2.31 ft/PSI

Friction Loss = Based on pipe size, length, GPM

Elevation = Height above well head

Pump Selection Guide

Pump Type Max Depth Typical HP Best For
Jet (Shallow)25 ft1/2 - 1 HPShallow wells, easy access
Jet (Deep)90 ft1/2 - 1-1/2 HPDeep wells, above-ground pump
Submersible400+ ft1/2 - 5 HPDeep wells, most reliable
Submersible (4")1000+ ft3/4 - 25 HPCommercial, high capacity

Friction Loss Reference (ft per 100 ft of pipe)

GPM 3/4" 1" 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 2"
53.81.10.30.10.05
1013.53.81.10.50.15
1528.08.02.31.00.3
2047.013.53.81.70.5
30--28.08.03.51.1
Based on plastic pipe (PE/PVC). Multiply by 1.5 for galvanized steel.

Flow Rate Guidelines

Residential

  • 1-2 bathroom: 6-10 GPM
  • 2-3 bathroom: 10-15 GPM
  • 3-4 bathroom: 15-20 GPM
  • Irrigation add: 5-10 GPM

Pressure Tank

  • Minimum: 1 gal/GPM
  • Recommended: 1.5 gal/GPM
  • Standard sizes: 20, 32, 44, 86 gal
  • Pre-charge: 2 PSI below cut-in

Pump Setting

  • 10-20 ft above bottom
  • Below pumping level
  • Above motor for cooling
  • Check pump curve

Wire Sizing

  • 3-wire: Control box
  • 2-wire: Built-in controls
  • Size per NEC 430
  • Voltage drop <5%