The advantages of the Parshall flume include:

• It passes solids and sediments easily
• It is low maintenance
• Its dimensions / flow characteristics are detailed in both ASTM and ISO standards 
• The flume can be used to measure flows in channels as well as non-full pipes
• A wide range of accessories have been developed for Parshall Flumes
• The flume has more than 100 years of research behind it
• Most flow meter have a range of Parshall Flume sizes already pre-programmed into them
• Operators are most familiar with Parshall Flumes than any other flume style
• The determination of the flow rate - under free flow conditions - only requires one depth measurement be taken
• The flat floor of the flume allows the operator to "stick" the flume - measuring from the bottom of the flume to the water's surface to get the flow depth
• Corrections are available for submergence, as well as latitudinal / longitudinal settling
• There are (22) standard sizes available
• It can be construction from a range of different materials