Comparison between Centrifugal pumps and Reciprocating Pumps:
| Centrifugal pumps | Reciprocating Pumps |
| 1.The discharge is continuous and smooth | 1.The discharging is fluctuating and pulsating |
| 2.It can handle large quantity of liquid | 2.handles small quantity of liquid |
| 3.It is used for large discharge through small heads | It is meant for small discharge at high heads |
| 4.Cost of centrifugal pump is less as compared to reciprocating pump. | 4.Cost of reciprocating pump is approximately four times the centrifugal pump. |
| 5.Runs at high speeds. | 5.Runs at low speed. |
| 6.Efficiency is high | 6.Efficiency is low |
| 7.Needs smaller area and cost of installation is less. | 7.Needs large floor area and installation is cost is high |
| 8.Low maintenance cost | 8.High maintenance cost |
| 9.It can be used for lifting highly viscous liquids | 9.Used only for lifting pure water or less viscous fluids. |