With many pump specifications, you will often see a graph, with a curve or a series of curves depending on additional models, these are called pump curves. The pump curve describes the relationship between the flow rate, and the head of the pump.

The head shows how high pumps can pump vertically, with horizontal pumping, we normally use the rule of 10 metres distance will equate to 1 metre in vertical pumping. Always aim to use a pump towards the centre of the curve, as this is the optimal way to use a pump. Using a pump on either edge of the curve will put a lot of stress on the pump, which could cause it to wear out sooner.