French Drain Calculator

Design and size a reliable subsurface drain for yards driveways and foundations with rainfall capture storage capacity slope checks pipe flow using Manning equation gravel void ratio trench optimization compare inflow and outflow safety margins interactive tables CSV and PDF export chart visualization unit conversions scenario comparison mobile friendly guidance warnings tips notes included

Design Inputs
ft²
in/hr
hr
in/hr
ft
ft
ft
in
% (rise per 100 length)
Typical smooth pipe ≈ 0.012
Results
Design passes: Trench storage meets or exceeds required net storage.
MetricValueUnits
Units modeImperial (feet, inches, ft³)
Inflow volume during storm175.000ft³
Pipe outflow during storm175.000ft³
Infiltration during storm1.563ft³
Net storage needed0.000ft³
Trench storage capacity60.000ft³
Storage surplus (capacity - need)60.000ft³
Estimated time to drain after storm0.00hr
Formulae Used

Inflow volume: V_in = C × A × h, where runoff coefficient C, contributing area A, and storm depth h (from intensity × duration). Units consistent (ft, m).

Trench storage: V_storage = L × W × D × n_v, where n_v is gravel void ratio.

Pipe capacity (Manning full flow): Q = k/n × A × R^{2/3} × S^{1/2}, with wetted area A = \pi d^2/4, hydraulic radius R = d/4, slope S, roughness n; factor k=1.49 in US customary, k=1.0 in SI.

Infiltration: V_infil = A_\text{{bottom}} × f × t, with bottom area A_\text{{bottom}}, infiltration rate f, and storm duration t.

Net storage needed: V_net = \max(0, V_in - (Q\,t + V_infil)). Design succeeds if V_storage \ge V_net.

Example Scenarios
NameUnitsAreaIntensityDurationCVoidLenWidDepPipe dSlope %InfilAction
Light yard stormImperial 15000.80.50.450.40 401.21.841.00.20
Typical designImperial 20001.51.00.700.40 501.52.041.00.25
Heavy driveway eventImperial 35002.21.50.850.45 702.02.561.50.30

Use the Load button to copy a row into the form, then press Calculate.

Notes & Guidance
  • Void ratio typically 0.30–0.45 for washed gravel.
  • Use slope between 0.5% and 2% where practical.
  • Runoff coefficient varies: turf 0.2–0.4, pavement 0.7–0.95, roofs 0.9–1.0.
  • Consider geotextile to limit fines migration.

This tool provides conceptual sizing; verify against local codes and detailed hydrology where required.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.