In this paper a computational approach is employed to derive a dimensionless heat transfer correlation for forced convection over a sphere. This correlation is applicable to fluids with a wide range of Prandtl numbers. The lower end of this range includes the Prandtl number for liquid sodium (Pr approximate to 0.003), whereas the upper end includes the Prandtl number for water (Pr approximate to 10). Nu = 2 + 0.47Re(1/2)Pr(0.36) 3 x 10(-3) <= Pr <= 10(1;) 10(2)<= Re <= 5 x 10(4) The model predictions derived from this research were validated extensively. First, the model was tested in two liquid metals, and subsequently it was compared with existing experimental data involving water. Both verification procedures have shown very good agreement between experimental results and model predictions. Multiple regression was employed to derive the above mentioned correlation. A detailed description of various steps used is described here. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.