Free Public health / Plumbing calculator

Drain fall, gradient and level calculator

Calculate fall from length and gradient, gradient from length and fall, or an end level from a starting level.

Enter the project values

All values remain in your browser. Review the assumptions before using the result.

Your result will appear here.Calculate to see the outputs, formula and substituted working.

How the calculation works

Geometric level relationship with metres converted to millimetres.

Formula

Fall = length ÷ gradient; gradient = length ÷ fall

Worked example

Length10 m
Gradient1:80
Expected fall125 mm
End level from 10.000 m9.875 m

Assumptions and limitations

Assumptions

  • The gradient is uniform over the entered length.
  • Levels use the same datum.

What this does not check

  • Does not select pipe size or minimum gradient.
  • Does not verify drainage standards, discharge units, access, ventilation or hydraulic capacity.
Formula version: 1.0 · Last reviewed: 16 August 2026

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Engineering basis: first-principles calculation using user-entered project data. The calculator does not choose design criteria or replace the complete project-specific engineering design.
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