How much flow do I need for a waterfall?

Flow Rate (L/h) ≈ width × depth × coefficient × 3,600,000. Coefficient depends on waterfall type (sheet, cascade, spillway).

How do I estimate head for a waterfall?

Total Head = Vertical Lift + pipe friction losses. Friction depends on pipe length, diameter, and flow.

How is pump power estimated?

Power ≈ (Flow(L/h) × Head(m) × 9.81) / 3600 / efficiency (~70%).

Which units are supported?

Width in m/ft; depth in mm/in; pipe in m/ft and mm/in; lift in m/ft. Results in L/h, m, and W.

No. This is an estimate; confirm with pump curves and supplier recommendations.

Pond Waterfall Calculator

Name: Pond Waterfall Calculator
Author: CalculatorBolt

Calculate pond waterfall pump flow rate (L/h) and head. Enter waterfall width, water depth, type, and pipe details. Get recommended pump specs. Informational only—consult suppliers. Explore more tools on free calculators on CalculatorBolt.

Calculator

Waterfall Width

Units

Water Depth over Weir

Units

Waterfall Type

Pipe Length

Units

Pipe Diameter

Units

Vertical Lift

Units

Recommended Flow Rate

Total Head

Pump Power

Import JSON

Pump Efficiency

Flow rounding

Head rounding

Sheet Coefficient

Cascade Coefficient

Spillway Coefficient

How it works

Flow Rate (L/h) = Width × Depth × Flow Coefficient × 3,600,000. Total Head = Vertical Lift + Friction Loss. Pump Power = (Flow × Head × 9.81) / 3600 / Efficiency (≈ Flow × Head × 0.0027 at 70%). Coefficients vary by waterfall type.

Inputs explained

Waterfall Width, Water Depth over Weir, Waterfall Type (sheet, cascade, spillway), Pipe Length/Diameter, Vertical Lift.

Example

Waterfall 1 m wide, 5 mm depth, Sheet, Pipe 25 mm, 5 m, Lift 1 m → Flow = 1 × 0.005 × 1500 × 3,600,000 = 27,000 L/h → Head ≈ 1 + 0.6 = 1.6 m → Power ≈ 27,000 × 1.6 × 0.0027 ≈ 117 W.

Tips & notes

Sheet waterfalls typically need less flow than spillways for the same width and depth.
Include pipe friction in head estimates; long or narrow pipes raise head.
Choose a pump with 10–20% safety margin and verify against pump curves.