The kinematic and diffusion models using simplified momentum equations of the full dynamic equation have been frequently used for numerical flow simulations, because they have several computational advantages compared to the full dynamic model. In this paper, the more generally acceptable application ranges of the kinematic and diffusion finite difference models were investigated based on three major parameters, which are channel bed slopes So, dimensionless depth increasing numbers Gw at upstream boundary and Froude numbers Fr. The applicable ranges were obtained by comparing the relative magnitudes of the local acceleration, convective acceleration, pressure, gravity and friction terms in the full dynamic equation. In the simulations, a Courant number of 0.5 was used and the channel bed slopes were changed from 0.00001 to 0.05. Also, Froude numbers of 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 were employed. In this paper, it is indicated that the applicable ranges of kinematic models are increased with increasing of Froude numbers. However, the applicable ranges of diffusion models are decreased with increasing of Froude numbers. Finally, 9 figures were proposed as a guideline in the application of kinematic and diffusion finite difference models based upon the allowable deviation compared to the full dynamic model. With applying the proposed criteria, it is expected that the flow simulations in the channels, streams or rivers are more efficiently achieved.