A new instrument, an averaging bidirectional flow tube (BDFT), is proposed to measure single-phase flow rates. This averaging BDFT has unique measuring characteristics foremost among which is the capability to measure bidirectional flow and insensitivity of the fluid attack angle. Single phase calibration tests were conducted to demonstrate the performance of the averaging BDFT. Likewise, to enhance the applicability of the averaging BDFT on various flow conditions, flow analyses using CFD code were performed focusing on design optimization of the BDFT. The calibration test results indicated that this averaging BDFT has a linearity within 0.5 % in the Reynolds (Re) number range of above 10, 000 where it is meaningful in terms of application. The flow analyses results demonstrate a good linearity of the averaging BDFT with various design features. Therefore, averaging BDFT can be applied for measurement of flow rates within a wide range of flow conditions.