This article provides methods to calculate the K-value (Resistance Coefficient) for determining the pressure loss cause by changes in the area of a fluid flow path. These types of pressure drops are highly dependent on the geometry and are not usually covered in simple pressure loss estimation schemes (such as a single k-value, equivalent length etc.)


:Internal diameter of pipe
:Diameter of the upstream pipe
:Diameter of the downstream pipe
:Darcy friction factor
:Resistance Coefficient
:Length as indicated
:Reynolds number in upstream pipe
:Average velocity
:Angle indicate in degrees


Changes in flow path area where a fluid may be accelerated and/or decelerated such as restriction orifices, pipe reducers and expanders, venturi meters etc. will result in some pressure lost. There are two components to the pressure loss/gain through an area change, the permanent pressure loss and the change due to acceleration. As the name suggests the permanent pressure loss is not recoverable, and like the pressure loss through ordinary fittings such as a pipe elbow, it is lost to friction, eddies, and noise. Pressure changes due to acceleration are reversible, for example in a system where the pipe area decreases, some potential energy in the form of pressure is converted to kinetic energy as the fluid is accelerated in the smaller pipe, reducing the fluid pressure in this pipe. In a perfect system if the fluid then entered a larger pipe and decelerated the kinetic energy of the fluid would be converted back into pressure.

The degree of permanent pressure lost through a pipe size change is dependent on the geometry of the size change. Generally the more abrupt the change the higher the losses, while more gradual changes result in much lower pressure drops. Section 3 presented the equations required to determine the pressure loss through various geometries in terms of K values.

The K value may be converted into head loss through multiplication with the fluid velocity head as shown in the equation below.


Calculation of K-values for Pipe Size Changes

K-value relationships for several common geometries of pipe size expansion and reduction are given below. For the calculation of pressure loss these K-values should be used with the inlet velocity (i.e. velocity based on D1).

Square Reduction

Square Reduction For Re1 < 2500,

For Re1 > 2500,

Tapered Reduction

Tapered Reduction For 45° < < 180°,
Multiply K from "square reduction" by:

For < 45°,
Multiply K from "square reduction" by:

Rounded Pipe Reducer

Rounded Pipe Reducer

Thin Sharp Orifice

Thin Sharp Orifice For Re1 < 2500,

For Re1 > 2500

Thick Orifice

Thick Orifice For L/D2 > 5,
use the equations for a square reduction and a square expansion, otherwise:
Multiply K for a thin sharp orifice by,

Square Expansion

Square Expansion For Re1 < 4000

For Re1 > 4000

Tapered Expansion

Tapered Expansion For > 45°
Use K for Square Expansion

For < 45°
Multiply K for a Square Expansion by,

Rounded Pipe Reducer (as expansion)

Rounded Pipe Reducer as Expansion Use K for square expansion.

Further Reading

  1. Piping Calculations Manual (McGraw-Hill Calculations)
  2. Piping Systems Manual