Using empirical data for the effective migration velocity, the Deutsch-Anderson equation has been widely used for calculation of the total collection efficiency and design of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Based on a normal particle size distribution, the present paper develops a semi-empirical equation for the total collection efficiency of ESPs. The equation is then simplified and extended to other particle size distributions. The simplified equation shows that the total collection efficiency increases with increasing mass median diameter of particles and with increasing electrical field strengths. The effective migration velocity is found to be directly proportional to the mass median diameter and to the electrical field strengths for particle charging and collection. Moreover, an example is given to illustrate how to use the present simplified model in the design of ESPs.