Home Back

How to Calculate a Fall

Fall Calculation Formula:

\[ Fall = Length \times Slope \]

units
decimal

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Fall Calculation?

Fall calculation determines the vertical drop in a pipe or channel based on its length and slope. This is essential for proper drainage system design and ensuring adequate flow in plumbing and civil engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fall calculation formula:

\[ Fall = Length \times Slope \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the vertical drop by multiplying the horizontal length by the slope ratio.

3. Importance of Fall Calculation

Details: Accurate fall calculation is crucial for designing effective drainage systems, preventing water stagnation, ensuring proper wastewater flow, and meeting building code requirements for plumbing installations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the length in appropriate units and the slope as a decimal value. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the vertical fall based on your inputs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for length?
A: You can use any consistent units (meters, feet, inches, etc.) as long as you maintain the same units throughout your calculation.

Q2: How do I convert percentage slope to decimal?
A: Divide the percentage by 100. For example, 2% slope = 0.02, 1.5% slope = 0.015.

Q3: What is the minimum slope required for drainage pipes?
A: Minimum slopes vary by pipe size and local codes, but typically range from 1% to 2% for most drainage applications.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for roof drainage?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to calculating fall for roof gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems.

Q5: How accurate should fall calculations be?
A: For most practical applications, calculations should be accurate to within 1-2 mm per meter to ensure proper drainage performance.

How to Calculate a Fall© - All Rights Reserved 2025