Free tools / Preliminary Demand
Fire Sprinkler Demand Calculator
Size up your demand before you draw a thing. Enter the basics and it lays out a representative system and runs a real hydraulic pass to estimate the GPM and PSI you'll need at the source.
What it does
This is a feasibility check grounded in actual hydraulics, not a rule of thumb. Behind the scenes it builds a representative tree system and solves it:
- Density/area demand per NFPA 13
- Hazen-Williams pipe friction loss
- Elevation and backflow-preventer losses
- K-factor start pressure and hose stream allowance
- A flag on whether your water supply looks adequate
How to use it
- Enter the building dimensions and hazard classification.
- Pick your main, branch, and underground pipe.
- Read the estimated GPM and PSI demand, and the supply-adequacy flag.
FAQ
- How accurate is a preliminary demand calc?
- It is an early estimate for feasibility and bidding, not a stamped hydraulic calculation. It runs a real hydraulic pass on a representative layout so it is far closer than a rule of thumb, but your final design governs.
- What is the density/area method?
- NFPA 13 defines a design density in gpm per square foot applied over a design area for each hazard classification. The demand is the flow and pressure needed to deliver that density over the most remote area, plus hose streams.
- Does it include hose stream allowance?
- Yes. The estimate adds the hose stream allowance for the selected hazard so the demand reflects the total at the source.
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SprinkFlow turns your fire sprinkler plans into a finished, bookmarked material submittal package. Free to download and try.
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