Enter the velocity of the fluid and the distance over which the force is applied into the calculator to determine the shear rate. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Shear Rate Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the shear rate.

SR = V / D

Variables:

  • SR is the shear rate (s^-1)
  • V is the velocity of the fluid (m/s)
  • D is the distance over which the force is applied (m)

To calculate the shear rate, divide the velocity of the fluid by the distance over which the force is applied. This will give you the rate at which the fluid is being deformed or sheared per second. This value can be used to determine the viscosity and flow behavior of different fluids under varying conditions.

What is a Shear Rate?

Shear rate is a measure of the rate at which a fluid is sheared or deformed when subjected to a force. It is typically expressed in reciprocal seconds (s^-1) and is calculated by dividing the velocity of the fluid by the distance over which it is applied. This concept is crucial in the study of fluid dynamics and rheology, as it helps determine the viscosity and flow behavior of different fluids under varying conditions. High shear rates can cause some fluids to thin out (shear thinning), while others may thicken or solidify (shear thickening).

How to Calculate Shear Rate?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Shear Rate.


  1. First, determine the velocity of the fluid (V) in meters per second (m/s).
  2. Next, determine the distance over which the force is applied (D) in meters (m).
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = SR = V / D.
  4. Finally, calculate the Shear Rate (SR) in seconds to the power of negative one (s^-1).
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

velocity of the fluid (V) = 5 m/s

distance over which the force is applied (D) = 2 m