Engineering English
Manning's Equation
Civil Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: An empirical formula for calculating average flow velocity in open channels based on channel roughness, hydraulic radius, and slope. It is widely used in hydraulic engineering for channel design.
Example in context
“The engineer used Manning's equation to design the concrete-lined trapezoidal channel for the stormwater drainage system.”
“Mühendis, yağmur suyu drenaj sistemi için beton kaplamalı yamuk kanalı tasarlamak üzere Manning denklemini kullandı.”
Where engineers use it
Manning's equation appears in open channel hydraulic design tasks such as sizing drainage ditches and canals. Engineers apply it to compute uniform flow depth and velocity, which are critical for ensuring capacity and safety.
Synonyms: Manning formula
Practice: can you use “Manning's Equation” at work?
During a stormwater channel design review, the senior engineer asks you to verify the flow velocity using Manning's equation. How do you determine the hydraulic radius and slope?
Show a model answer
“Check your Manning's equation coefficient for roughness.”
“Manning's Equation” in 21 languages
| English | Manning's Equation |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Manning denklemi |
| French | équation de Manning |
| German | Manning-Gleichung |
| Spanish | ecuación de Manning |
| Chinese | 曼宁公式 |
| Arabic | معادلة مانينغ |
| Portuguese | equação de Manning |
| Russian | уравнение Маннинга |
| Japanese | マニングの式 |
| Italian | equazione di Manning |
| Vietnamese | phương trình Manning |
| Hindi | मैनिंग का समीकरण |
| Thai | สมการแมนนิ่ง |
| Indonesian | persamaan Manning |
| Korean | 매닝의 공식 |
| Bengali | ম্যানিং সমীকরণ |
| Dutch | Manning-vergelijking |
| Swedish | Mannings ekvation |
| Finnish | Manningin yhtälö |
| Ukrainian | рівняння Маннінга |
Frequently asked questions
What does Manning's Equation mean in engineering?
An empirical formula for calculating average flow velocity in open channels based on channel roughness, hydraulic radius, and slope. It is widely used in hydraulic engineering for channel design. In Civil Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Manning's Equation?
Manning's Equation is pronounced /ˈmænɪŋz ɪˈkweɪʒən/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Manning's Equation used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The engineer used Manning's equation to design the concrete-lined trapezoidal channel for the stormwater drainage system.”
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