A dimensionless number used as a measure of centrifugal pump performance for a particular application. Evaluated at the best efficiency point, which corresponds to the maximum efficiency of the pump, the suction specific speed refers to the suction side of the pump and is used to identify issues of cavitation and the type of pump appropriate for a particular application, such as multi- or single stage, mixed or axial flow. It is calculated from:
where N is the rotational speed of the impeller, Q is the flow rate, g is the gravitational acceleration, and H is the delivered head. Compare specific speed.