Convert between various flow rate units instantly. From liters per second to gallons per minute, cubic meters per hour to CFM - essential for plumbing, HVAC, and industrial applications.
Formula: GPM = L/s × 15.8503
Formula: L/s = GPM ÷ 15.8503
Formula: m³/h = L/s × 3.6
Formula: L/s = m³/h ÷ 3.6
Formula: GPM = L/min × 0.264172
Formula: L/min = GPM ÷ 0.264172
Formula: L/s = CFM × 0.471947
Formula: CFM = L/s ÷ 0.471947
Flow rate measures the volume of fluid passing through a system per unit of time. It is a critical parameter in plumbing, HVAC systems, hydraulics, chemical processing, and countless other applications. Understanding flow rate units and their conversions is essential for engineers, technicians, and anyone working with fluid systems. This professional flow rate converter provides instant, accurate conversions between all commonly used volumetric flow measurement units.
Liters per second (L/s) and liters per minute (L/min) are the standard metric units for volumetric flow rate. L/s is commonly used in industrial and scientific contexts where larger flow rates are typical, while L/min is more common for smaller flows such as household water fixtures and medical equipment. A typical shower head flows at about 9-10 L/min, a garden hose delivers around 15-20 L/min, and fire hoses can exceed 50 L/s. The relationship between these units is simple: 1 L/s equals 60 L/min.
Gallons per minute (GPM) is the standard flow rate unit in the United States for plumbing, irrigation, and industrial applications. Pump capacities, water heater recovery rates, and fire suppression systems are all specified in GPM in American documentation. A low-flow shower head might use 1.5 GPM, while a standard one uses 2.5 GPM. Well pumps are often rated from 5 to 50+ GPM depending on household needs. Note that US gallons (3.785 liters) differ from Imperial gallons (4.546 liters), so always confirm which gallon is referenced.
Cubic meters per hour (m³/h) is widely used in industrial settings, water treatment facilities, and large-scale HVAC systems. This unit is particularly convenient when dealing with significant volumes, as it avoids unwieldy numbers. Municipal water systems might handle thousands of m³/h, while industrial cooling systems operate in hundreds of m³/h. The conversion to L/s is straightforward: 1 m³/h equals approximately 0.278 L/s, or equivalently, 1 L/s equals 3.6 m³/h.
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the standard unit for air flow in HVAC, ventilation, and pneumatic systems, particularly in the United States. Room air conditioners, exhaust fans, and compressed air systems are all rated in CFM. A bathroom exhaust fan might be rated at 50-100 CFM, while central HVAC systems handle 400 CFM per ton of cooling capacity. When comparing air and liquid flow rates, remember that air is compressible while liquids are not, affecting system design considerations.