We derive an analytic solution for the capillary rise of liquids in a cylindrical tube or a porous medium in terms of height h as a function of time t. The implicit t (h) solution by Washburn is the basis for these calculations and the Lambert W function is used for its mathematical rearrangement. The original equation is derived out of the 1D momentum conservation equation and features viscous and gravity terms. Thus our h(t) solution, as it includes the gravity term (hydrostatic pressure), enables the calculation of the liquid rise behavior for longer times than the classical Lucas-Washburn equation. Based on the new equation several parameters like the steady state time and the validity of the Lucas-Washburn equation are examined. The results are also discussed in dimensionless form. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.