---
title: "Filter Sizing: Calculating Clean Element Delta P"
description: Choosing which filter element you need can be a challenge because there are several factors to consider. One of the factors that should be considered is the differential pressure or Delta P of your filter. Check out this blog post A quick tutorial on calculating clean element Dp and filter element sizing.
image: https://www.hyprofiltration.com/hs-fs/file-2655851405-jpg/images/clean_element_dp1.jpg
---

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###### 1 min read

### [Filter Sizing: Calculating Clean Element Delta P](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/bid/358065/filter-sizing-calculating-clean-element-dp)

 Wed, Nov. 19, 2014

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![filter elements and differential pressure](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Filter-Element-198030-edited.jpg?width=189&name=Filter-Element-198030-edited.jpg "filter elements and differential pressure")Choosing the best filter element size and media for a specific application can be tricky. You want media that is tight enough to help you reach your target ISO code. However, if you choose a media that is too tight for your application, the element differential pressure (Delta P or ΔP) will rise too quickly and you will be replacing elements far too frequently.

To prevent these situations you should always calculate clean element Delta P whenever changing the filter media or manufacturer.

## Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before you start, you'll need to gather a few pieces of essential information. They are:

1. Flow rate
2. Lowest temperature  
   *What is the lowest temperature this oil will reach during shutdown, transfer, etc? (This will be used to calculate maximum viscosity in centistokes.)*
3. Specific gravity of the fluid
4. Filter element ΔP factor

## Step 2: Viscosity Chart Calculations 

Use a [viscosity chart](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/viscosity-chart-/) to calculate the maximum viscosity of the fluid at its lowest temperature in centistokes.

## Step 3: Calculate the Delta P 

Use the information you have gathered to solve the equation below for clean element Dp.

![Clean Element Dp](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/hs-fs/file-2655851405-jpg/images/clean_element_dp1.jpg?width=575&height=63&name=clean_element_dp1.jpg)

 

And that should be it for calculating your clean element Delta P. If you have any questions, please let us know if the comments below. 

Next Step: Use our free [viscosity calculator](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/calculators).

###### Topics: [hydraulic fluid](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/topic/hydraulic-fluid) [filter sizing](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/topic/filter-sizing) [filter elements](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/topic/filter-elements)

#### Written by [Hy-Pro Marketing](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/author/hy-pro-marketing)

###### [** Previous Post](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/bid/347356/proper-filter-element-change-out-procedure)

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###### [How to Change Out a Filter Element](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/bid/347356/proper-filter-element-change-out-procedure)

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###### [Fluid Analysis Reference Guide](https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/fluid-analysis-reference-guide)

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