AbstractA criterion is developed for determining the validity of the Soil Conservation Service curve number (SCS‐CN) method. According to this criterion, the existing SCS‐CN method is found to be applicable when the potential maximum retention, S, is less than or equal to twice the total rainfall amount. The criterion is tested using published data of two watersheds. Separating the steady infiltration from capillary infiltration, the method is extended for predicting infiltration and rainfall‐excess rates. The extended SCS‐CN method is tested using 55 sets of laboratory infiltration data on soils varying from Plainfield sand to Yolo light clay, and the computed and observed infiltration and rainfall‐excess rates are found to be in good agreement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.