What is equivalent length and why is it used?

Equivalent length turns fitting resistance into an equal amount of straight pipe to estimate developed length more realistically.

Do Le/D values change with pipe size or type?

Le/D is dimensionless; multiply by the actual internal diameter to convert to length. Geometry and manufacturer can change recommended factors.

How accurate are these estimates?

They are planning-level estimates. For critical designs, use project-specific data and consult specifications.

What’s the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80?

Schedule 80 has thicker walls, reducing internal diameter compared to the same nominal size in Schedule 40.

What waste percentage should I use?

Common planning values are 3–10% depending on complexity, crew experience, and offcut reuse.

Can I model valves or special fittings?

Yes. Adjust counts and Le/D values accordingly, or use the closest fitting type as a proxy.

Does the tool compute pressure drop?

No. It focuses on length and takeoff planning only.

How are stick lengths interpreted in metric mode?

They map to 3 m or 6 m in metric. In US mode, 10 ft or 20 ft are used.

Can I export results for procurement?

Yes, use the CSV or PDF exports to share summaries with estimators or buyers.

PVC Pipe Length & Fittings Calculator

Q: Why include a per-joint allowance?

It covers insertion, trimming, and field adjustments so cut lengths better reflect reality.

Inputs

Unit system

Schedule

Nominal size

Internal diameter is derived from chosen schedule.

Straight run length (ft) *

Standard stick length (ft)

Waste allowance (%)

Stick options auto-interpret by unit system (10/20 ft, 3/6 m).

Fitting library (brand)

Use per-size Le/D table when available

Library loads default factors. Use table editor to customize per-size values.

90° elbows (count)

45° elbows (count)

Tees (through-run)

Tees (branch)

Couplings

Valves (ball/gate)

Per-joint cut allowance (in)

Adds to overall length: allowance × (total fittings + 1 joints).

Advanced: Le/D defaults (manual override)

90° elbow Le/D

45° elbow Le/D

Tee through-run Le/D

Tee branch Le/D

Coupling Le/D

Valve (open) Le/D

Le/D × internal diameter gives equivalent straight length per fitting.

Results

Internal Diameter (derived)

—

Based on nominal size & schedule.

Equivalent length from fittings

—

Sum of all fittings with Le/D factors.

Effective straight length + joint allowance

—

Required total length incl. waste

—

Unit	Schedule	Nominal	Stick length	Total length	Sticks needed	Leftover	Fittings summary
Run a calculation to populate this table.

Example Data Table

Illustrative scenarios to validate behavior across sizes and schedules.

Scenario	Unit	Schedule	Nominal	Straight	90°	45°	Tees R/B	Couplings	Valves	Waste %	Stick
Branch to tank skid	US	Schedule 40	2 in	180 ft	6	4	1/1	2	0	5	20 ft
Small lab loop	US	Schedule 80	1 in	75 ft	8	2	2/1	3	2	7	10 ft
Irrigation header	Metric	Schedule 40	3 in	60 m	4	6	1/2	5	0	5	6 m

Formula Used

Internal diameter (ID) from nominal size & schedule.
Equivalent length per fitting: L_eq = (Le/D) × D.
Total equivalent length: sum of each fitting’s count × L_eq.
Joint allowance: Allowance × (number of fittings + 1).
Effective straight length: straight run + joint allowance.
Required length pre-waste: effective straight + equivalent length.
Required total incl. waste: Required × (1 + waste%).
Sticks needed: ceil(Required total / stick length); Leftover: sticks × stick length − required total.

How to Use This Calculator

Choose unit system, schedule, nominal size, and stick length.
Pick a fitting library to prefill Le/D factors.
Enable per-size tables for brand-specific Le/D values.
Enter straight center-to-center run and count each fitting type.
Use “Auto from catalog” to set joint allowance by socket depth.
Apply a waste percentage to cover offcuts and handling losses.
Press Calculate for results or open Batch Mode.
Use Cut‑List Optimizer with exact solver for smaller sets.

Tables are reference starting points; confirm with current brand data and submittals.

FAQs

Equivalent length converts the resistance from fittings into an equal amount of straight pipe, helping estimate total developed length more realistically.

Published Le/D factors are dimensionless; multiplying by the actual internal diameter converts them to length. Values can vary by fitting geometry and manufacturer.

They provide planning-level accuracy. For critical designs, use project-specific data and consult specifications.

Schedule 80 has thicker walls, reducing internal diameter for the same nominal size. This affects equivalent lengths and sometimes fitting compatibility.

Allowances cover insertion, trimming, and field adjustments so cut lengths better reflect reality.

Typical planning uses 3–10% depending on complexity, crew experience, and offcut reuse.

Yes. Set the valve count and adjust its Le/D. For specialty fittings, use the closest Le/D or enter a custom value.

No. It focuses on length and takeoff planning. Use a hydraulic model for pressure-loss calculations.

Options map to 3 m and 6 m when metric is selected; otherwise 10 ft and 20 ft are used.

Yes. Use the CSV or PDF buttons to share summaries with estimators and buyers.

Batch Runs

#	Unit	Schedule	Nominal	Straight	90°	45°	Tee R	Tee B	Coupling	Valve	Waste %	Stick

#	Total length	Sticks	Leftover	Eq. length	Eff. straight
Add rows and calculate.
Totals	—	—	—	—	—

Cut‑List Optimizer

Choose a solver: heuristic (fast) or exact (smaller sets).

Unit system

Stick length

ft in US, m in Metric.

Kerf / gap allowance

Allowance added between pieces on a stick.

Solver mode

Max exact time (seconds)

Paste piece lengths

Comma or newline separated, decimals allowed.

Stick #	Pieces on stick	Used length	Waste
Enter piece lengths and optimize.
Totals	—	—	—