Mr Calcu | Quickly calculate Reynolds number to predict fluid flow type and optimize your system's efficiency.

Calculate and analyze Reynolds number instantly. Maximize accuracy and understand flow with confidence using this powerful and intuitive fluid dynamics tool.

Reynolds Number Calculator

Roughness coefficient: 0.02

Reynolds Number Calculator Guidelines

You're just a few inputs away from understanding your fluid flow.

  • Ensure consistent unit systems (metric or imperial) across all parameters.
  • Use the hydraulic diameter for non-circular cross-sections (e.g., rectangular ducts).
  • Input values accurately—especially fluid density and viscosity—as they significantly impact Re.
  • If using kinematic viscosity, ensure dynamic viscosity and density are not entered simultaneously.
  • Apply temperature-corrected viscosity values for thermal or compressible flow analysis.

Reynolds Number Calculator Description

What Is Reynolds Number?

The Reynolds number (Re) is a key dimensionless quantity in fluid dynamics. It characterizes the flow of fluid by comparing inertial forces to viscous forces. This ratio helps engineers and scientists predict whether a flow will be smooth (laminar) or chaotic (turbulent).

Mathematical Definition

The Reynolds number is defined by the formula:

Re = (ρ × U × L) / μ
  • ρ: Fluid density (kg/m³)
  • U: Flow velocity (m/s)
  • L: Characteristic length, e.g., pipe diameter (m)
  • μ: Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)

Using kinematic viscosity (ν = μ / ρ), the formula can also be expressed as:

Re = (U × L) / ν

Flow Regime Thresholds

  • Re < 2,300: Laminar flow – smooth and orderly
  • 2,300 ≤ Re ≤ 4,000: Transitional flow – may switch unpredictably
  • Re > 4,000: Turbulent flow – chaotic and mixed

Real-World Engineering Case Studies

Case Study 1: HVAC Air Duct Analysis
  • Duct diameter: 0.3 m
  • Air velocity: 5 m/s
  • Air density: 1.2 kg/m³
  • Viscosity: 1.8×10⁻⁵ Pa·s

Result:

Re = (1.2 × 5 × 0.3) / (1.8×10⁻⁵) = 100,000

This high Re suggests turbulent flow, impacting noise and heat losses.

Case Study 2: Blood Flow in Arteries
  • Diameter: 4 mm
  • Velocity: 0.4 m/s
  • Density: 1,060 kg/m³
  • Viscosity: 0.0035 Pa·s

Result:

Re = (1060 × 0.4 × 0.004) / 0.0035 ≈ 484

Indicates laminar flow, typical of healthy arteries.

Edge Cases to Consider

  • Microfluidics: With Re < 1, flow is governed by viscous forces (creeping flow).
  • Non-circular channels: Use hydraulic diameter: Dh = 4 × A / P where A = area, P = wetted perimeter.
  • Multiphase systems: Calculate Re for each phase separately.
  • Compressible flows: Re must be evaluated locally, accounting for temperature/density variation.
  • Thermal effects: Viscosity can change dramatically with temperature; adjust accordingly.

Importance Across Disciplines

Reynolds number plays a critical role in:

  • Pipeline engineering: Predicting pressure drops and sizing components.
  • Aerodynamics: Estimating boundary layer behavior over wings and fuselages.
  • Biomedical engineering: Modeling blood and respiratory flows.
  • Marine design: Assessing flow around ship hulls and underwater vehicles.

This calculator enables rapid analysis by accepting known flow properties and outputting the Reynolds number, enabling engineers and students to interpret fluid regimes efficiently.

Start calculating now and take the guesswork out of your fluid dynamics designs!

Example Calculation

FluidPipe Diameter (mm)Velocity (m/s)Density (kg/m³)Viscosity (Pa·s)Reynolds Number
Water501.510000.00175000
Air1002.01.21.8e-513333
Oil250.29000.145
Microfluidic Channel0.50.0110000.0015
Steam Pipe (Compressible)75150.61.2e-5562500
Rectangular Duct (Hydraulic D)70*3.59980.00089274719

*Hydraulic diameter used in place of actual width/height

Frequently Asked Questions

A dimensionless quantity used to predict flow patterns in fluid flow situations.

It helps determine whether the flow is laminar or turbulent, crucial for designing efficient engineering systems.

Using the formula: Re = ρUL/μ, where ρ is fluid density, U is flow velocity, L is characteristic linear dimension, and μ is dynamic viscosity.

Re < 2,300 indicates laminar flow, 2,300 ≤ Re ≤ 4,000 indicates transitional flow, and Re > 4,000 indicates turbulent flow.

Temperature can significantly alter fluid viscosity, which directly affects Reynolds number. Higher temperatures usually reduce viscosity, increasing Re.

Yes, it applies to all Newtonian fluids, including gases and liquids, but fluid properties must be adjusted for temperature and pressure.

Use the hydraulic diameter formula: Dh = 4×(cross-sectional area)/(wetted perimeter) in place of the diameter in the Reynolds number formula.

No, Reynolds number is a dimensionless indicator of flow regime, while flow rate (e.g., m³/s) measures volume passing per time unit. They are related but not the same.

Our Other Tools