Introduction

Use of the Manning Equation to calculate the values of uniform open channel flow parameters such as channel
slope, Manning roughness coefficient, water flow rate or flow velocity will be presented. An example calculating
water flow rate and average flow velocity for a given channel and flow depth is included. The Manning equation
applies to open channel flow in natural channels as well. For example, river discharge can be related to the depth
of water flow and river parameters like slope, width and cross-sectional shape.

Uniform Open Channel Flow

Uniform open channel flow takes place whenever there is a constant volumetric flow rate of liquid through a
section of channel that has a constant bottom slope, constant channel size and shape, and constant channel surface
roughness. Under these conditions, the liquid will flow at a constant depth, often called the normal depth for the
given channel and volumetric flow rate. Uniform flow is a necessary condition for the use of the Manning
Equation, the primary topic of this article. Open channel flow can take place in man made or natural channels. In a
natural channel, river discharge is often a parameter of interest.

The Manning Equation

The Manning Equation for U.S. units is: Q = (1.49/n)A(R2/3)(S1/2), Where
Q = volumetric water flow rate passing through the stretch of channel, ft3/sec,
A = cross-sectional area of flow perpendicular to the flow direction, ft2,
S = bottom slope of channel, ft/ft (dimensionless),
n = Manning rougness coefficient (empirical constant), dimensionless,
R = hydraulic radius = A/P, where
A = cross-sectional area of flow as defined above,
P = wetted perimeter of cross-sectional flow area, ft.
The Manning Equation can be expressed in terms of flow velocity instead of flow rate. Using the equation, V =
Q/A as a definition for average flow velocity, the Manning Equation becomes:
V = (1.49/n)(R2/3)(S1/2), with average flow velocity in ft/sec.
Note that the Manning Equation is an empirical, dimensional equation. With the constant equal to 1.49, all of the
parameters must have the units given above.

The Manning Roughness Coefficient

The Manning roughness coefficient, n, is an experimentally determined constant. Its value depends upon the
nature of the channel and its surface. Tables giving values of n for different man-made and natural channel types
and surfaces are available in many textbooks, handbooks and on-line. Here are a few typical values for n:
Brick - n = 0.015, new cast-iron - n = 0.012, concrete - n - 0.011 to 0.015, corrugated metal - n = 0.022

Example Manning Equation Calculation

Consider an open channel of rectangular cross-section, with bottom width of 4

ft, containing water flowing 2 ft deep. The bottom slope of the channel is
0.0004 and it is made of concrete with a Manning roughness coefficient of 0.011. What would be the average flow
velocity of the water and what would be the volumetric water flow rate? These can both be calculated using the
Manning Equation in the two forms given in the previous section.
Hydraulic radius = R = A/P = (2)(4)/(4 + 2 + 2) = 1 ft
V = (1.49/0.011)(12/3)(0.00041/2) = 2.71 ft/sec
Q = VA = (2.71 ft/sec)(8 ft2) = 21.7 ft3/sec
Any of the other parameters in the Manning Equation could be calculated if it is the only unkown. For example,
the channel bottom slope needed to carry a given flow rate in a channel of given shape and size at a given depth of
flow could be calculated.
For downloadable Excel templates that can be used for Manning equation/uniform open channel flow calculations,
see the article, "Use of Excel Spreadsheet Formulas for Uniform Open Channel Flow/Manning Equation
Calculations."
Another article with Excel templates to calculate normal depth for uniform open channel flow is "Calculation of
Normal Depth for Open Channel Flow with Excel Formulas."
Summary
The Manning equation is useful for a variety of open channel flow calculations involving parameters such as water
flow rate, flow velocity, channel slope, channel roughness, water flow depth, and channel size and shape
parameters. For a natural channel, river discharge (water flow rate) is often a parameter to be determined.
References and Image Credits
1. Bengtson, Harlan H., Open Channel Flow I - The Manning Equation and Uniform Flow, an online, continuing
education course for PDH credit - http://www.online-pdh.com/engcourses/course/view.php?id=85
2. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2001 revised, 1997 third edition, Water Measurement
Manual, available for on-line use or download at: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/pubs/wmm/index.htm
3. Chow, V. T., Open Channel Hydraulics, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959

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The table below list the most common units used in the
• Imperial or USCS - United States Customary Units
• International System of Units - SI system
Imperial Units
Terminology Dimensions SI-units
(USCS)
Acceleration due to gravity L/T2 ft/s2 m/s2
Area L2 ft2 m2
Chezy roughness coefficient L1/2/T ft1/2/s m1/2/s
Critical Depth L ft m
2 4 2 4
Density FT /L lb s /ft kg s2/m4
Depth L ft m
Depth in open channel L ft m
Diameter L ft m
Distance from solid boundary L ft m
3 3
Flow rate L /T ft /s m3/s
Force F lb N
Force due to pressure F lb N
Hazen Williams roughness
L0.37/T ft0.37/s m0.37/s
coefficient
Head loss due to friction L ft m
Head of height L ft m
Head of weir L ft m
Height above datum L ft m
Hydraulic radius L ft m
2 2
Kinematic viscosity L /T ft /s m2/s
Length L ft m
1/3 1/3
Manning's roughness coefficient T/L s/ft s/m1/3
Mass FT2/L lb s2/ft N s2/m
Modulus of elasticity F/L2 lb/in2 (psi) Pa
Perimeter, Weir Height L ft m
2 2
Pressure F/L lb/ft Pa
Radius L ft m
2 2
Shear stress F/L lb/ft Pa
Size of roughness L ft m
3 3
Specific weight F/L lb/ft kg/m3
Surface tension F/L lb/ft kg/m
Time T s s
Thickness L ft m
Time T s s
Total head L ft m
3 3
Unit flow rate L /TL ft /(s ft) m3/(s ft)
Velocity L/T ft/s m/s
2
Viscosity FT/L lb s/ft Pa s
Weight F lb kg
 • L - length
• F - force
• T - time