Reviewers

HydroCAD^® Stormwater Modeling - Since 1986

Why use HydroCAD?

HydroCAD is an easy-to-use tool for performing many common hydrologic and hydraulic calculations, and is widely accepted wherever these basic techniques are employed. Many state and local agencies are using HydroCAD to evaluate the submissions they receive, partly because of the clear, concise reports, which facilitate fast and accurate communication between the designer and reviewer.

How does HydroCAD compare to other H&H programs?

HydroCAD is an excellent alternative for most applications where the TR-55 or TR-20 procedures are appropriate. HydroCAD can be used to replicate these results with great accuracy, while providing many additional features and capabilities. For details see our comparison chart. We also have specific procedures for comparing results between different programs, and additional assistance is available on our support page.

What software do I need?

Depending on your exact needs and budget, several software options are available:

Option 1: HydroCAD Sampler

If your primary need is to review existing HydroCAD projects, and your budget is limited, we recommend that you obtain a free copy of the HydroCAD Sampler. With the Sampler you can:

Open any HydroCAD project sent to you by email, flash drive, or other media.

Examine all runoff and routing calculations.

Print limited reports for any project.

Explore the effects of any type of design changes.

Answer most questions using the 400+ page help system.

Create your own projects. (Subject to the limits of the Sampler.)

The Sampler includes an interactive tutorial and an extensive help system, which are supplemented by additional information on our support page. If printed documentation is desired, you may purchase a copy of the full HydroCAD Reference Manual.

Option 2: Standard HydroCAD program

If you need to make permanent changes to the projects you receive, we recommend that you purchase a full HydroCAD program appropriate to your needs. HydroCAD's node-based pricing lets you purchase just the capacity you need, with the flexibility to upgrade to a larger capacity as your needs grow. This gives you the full power of HydroCAD for even the smallest projects, with the ability to handle larger projects as your needs grow.

Our most popular offering is a 20-node license, which costs just $375/year for an annual license or $895 for a permanent license. We also offer licenses up to 1000 nodes to handle the most complex projects.

Easy to install and manage

HydroCAD is a compact, stand-alone application that installs in just 60 seconds, and will run on virtually any PC or laptop you currently own, with no special hardware or software requirements. The installation is simple enough for any computer user, while still providing special capabilities for power-users and IT personnel, such as silent installations. Details here.

For multiple computers, just install HydroCAD on each computer and go! Each license permits the operation of HydroCAD by one person at a time, allowing your license(s) to be shared among a larger group of users, thus saving you 50% or more compared to "named user" licensing. Details here.

Project files can reside on any storage device you choose, and are readily accessed over the network, just like any other document.

Easy to use

Learning HydroCAD is fast and intuitive. And the built-in tutorial, help system, and printed Reference Manual give you the additional resources you need to get the job done. Although we suggest that you allow a few days to become familiar with the program, most customers complete their first project in just a few hours. Our customer comments say it all.

Need extra help or training?

Quick, reliable tech support is always available by phone or email. And if you're looking for additional H&H training please visit our training page.