Hydronic Pipe Sizing

Size chilled water and hot water piping based on load, flow, or velocity requirements.

Thermal Load

System Parameters

Pipe Sizing Quick Reference

Pipe SizeGPM @ 6 ft/sTons @ 10F DT
1"125
1.5"2812
2"5222
2.5"8033
3"12050
4"21088
6"480200
8"850354

Design Guidelines

Chilled Water: GPM = Tons x 24 / Delta T

Hot Water: GPM = MBH / (500 x Delta T)

Velocity Limit: 4-8 ft/s for noise control

Friction Limit: 2-4 ft/100ft typical