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Calculate internal hydrostatic burst pressure and maximum allowable working pressure for plumbing and industrial pipes using Barlow's formula.
Barlow's Formula calculates pipe burst pressure as P = (2 × S × t) / D, where S is material tensile strength (PSI), t is wall thickness (inches), and D is outside diameter (inches). For 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC (2.375" OD, 0.154" wall, 7,000 PSI tensile), theoretical burst pressure is 908 PSI, giving a safe working pressure of 227 PSI at a 4:1 safety factor.
Adjust inputs for real-time results
e.g. 2" pipe has 2.375" OD.
e.g. 2" Sch 40 wall is 0.154".
Maximum Safe Working Pressure
Note: Barlow's formula: P = (2·S·t) / D. Never pressurize PVC with compressed air or gases due to explosive shrapnel hazards.
Barlow's formula relates internal fluid pressure to hoop stress in thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessels.
Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance
P = 2St / D, where P is internal burst pressure, S is material yield strength, t is wall thickness, and D is outside diameter.
