Equivalent Length (Le) vs. C Values

[CuriouslyGeorge]

I was taught to think of losses in terms of equivalent lengths. But, the ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook prefers to use C (coefficient) values for losses in fittings. Their method is so involved for applications where ballpark figures can do.

Is there an easy conversion between C values and Le? Or, is there a better reference to use (hopefully) providing a wide selection of fittings in various sizes?

Or, is there some shortcut with the C value I'm not getting? I really don't need a full-blown hydraulic analysis when I'm certain there are some tried-and-true shortcut methods. - Thanks! CuriouslyGeorge