HydroCalc Basic vs PipeDN
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
HydroCalc Basic
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Pipe Headloss Calculator provides engineers, designers, and students with powerful tools for pipeline hydraulic analysis β without the hassle of complex manual computations. Whether youβre sizing new pipelines or analyzing existing systems, the app delivers rapid, accurate results. Key Features Automatic Unit Conversion β Seamlessly switch between US Customary and SI units for length, flow, and diameter. Pipeline-Specific Inputs β Enter pipeline length, flow rate, internal diameter, and pipe material. Powerful Inverse Calculator β Set a target head loss and calculate the required diameter, flow, or length. Instantly view flow velocity, friction head loss, fitting losses, and full system curve data. With a clean interface and fast performance, this app is designed to save time and improve accuracy in hydraulic calculations β from the classroom to the field.
PipeDN
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Need to determine the pipe size for a new industrial project? Want to check the maximum recommended flow rate for an existing fluid line? PipeDN is the ultimate pocket tool for industry professionals. Quickly find the ideal Nominal Diameter (DN) or maximum operating flow rate using velocity limits based on practical, field-tested engineering standards. Beyond delivering the exact requirement, the app generates a smart reference table of neighboring commercial pipe sizes (larger and smaller). This gives you the comprehensive technical data to choose the best design alternative for your facility. Highlighted Features: β’ Calculation Modules: "Find Ideal DN" and "Find Max Flow". β’ Native support for multiple pipe materials and schedules. β’ Professional PDF Reports: Export a detailed calculation memory directly to PDF. Include specific pipeline TAGs for customized, ready-to-archive engineering results. β’ Custom Units: Fully adapt pressure, temperature, flow rate, and diameter unit sets to match your region's standard. β’ Embedded Physical Tables: The Steam module features built-in thermodynamic properties for precise dynamic density tracking. Supported Fluids & Applications: β’ Water & Condensate: Treated Water, Condensate (Pump Discharge, Pump Suction, Steam Trap Return). β’ Steam: Advanced sizing targeting Saturated Steam and Superheated Steam lines. β’ Process Gases: Combustion Air, Flammable & Non-Flammable Gases, Nβ, Oβ, LPG. β’ Compressed Air: Limits tailored for Main Lines and Secondary Branches. β’ Vacuum Systems (Manifolds, Separators, Blowers). β’ Pulp & Paper Industry Niche: Exclusive calculation module for Cellulose Pulp responding to various consistency levels (up to 6%), as well as comprehensive chemical recovery liquors (Black Liquor in 4 concentrations, Green Liquor, Lime Mud, Dregs, Filtrate, Alkalis, and Tall Oil Soap). β’ Common Chemicals: Sodium Hydroxide, Sulphuric Acid, Antifoams, and Lubricating Oils. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
HydroCalc Basic and PipeDN are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters β price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them β neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. HydroCalc Basic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PipeDN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
HydroCalc Basic ships an update every 11 days, PipeDN every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HydroCalc Basic | PipeDN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days β better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Transparent Blue Water LLC | AQUILES DE LIMA |
In-app purchases
HydroCalc Basic
- Premium - Flow Units & Ad-Free$1.99
PipeDN
- PipeDN Pro$7.991 Month
- PipeDN Pro$49.991 Year
- PipeDN Pro$79.99
Questions
Is HydroCalc Basic free?
Is PipeDN free?
Do HydroCalc Basic or PipeDN have ads?
Which is updated more often, HydroCalc Basic or PipeDN?
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