Gallons Per Minute to Cubic Feet Per Second Calculator
Convert between gallons per minute, cubic feet per second, liters per second, and other flow rate units used in plumbing, irrigation, and engineering.
Flow Rate Conversion
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Conversion Formula
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Conversion Results
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Flow Intensity
Flow Classification
Flow Rate Conversions
Flow rates are measured in different units depending on the industry and application. Plumbers might talk about gallons per minute, while engineers use cubic feet per second. Irrigation specialists work with liters per second. This calculator helps you convert between all these common flow rate units.
Whether you're sizing pipes, selecting pumps, or planning irrigation systems, having the right flow rate in the right units is crucial for accurate calculations and equipment selection.
When Do You Need Flow Rate Conversions?
Different industries and applications use different flow rate units:
- Plumbing: Gallons per minute (GPM) for fixture sizing and pipe capacity
- Irrigation: Gallons per minute or liters per second for system design
- Engineering: Cubic feet per second (CFS) for hydraulic calculations
- Environmental: Cubic meters per second for river flow measurements
- Industrial: Various units depending on system requirements
Common Flow Rate Units
Imperial Units
| GPM | Gallons per Minute | Plumbing, irrigation |
| CFS | Cubic Feet per Second | Engineering, hydraulics |
| CFM | Cubic Feet per Minute | HVAC, ventilation |
Metric Units
| L/s | Liters per Second | Irrigation, water treatment |
| L/min | Liters per Minute | Medical, laboratory |
| m³/h | Cubic Meters per Hour | Industrial, municipal |
Conversion Examples
GPM to CFS Conversion
| Input | 500 GPM |
| Formula | 500 × 0.002228 |
| Result | 1.114 CFS |
Practical Application Example
| Scenario | Irrigation System Design |
| Flow Required | 250 GPM |
| Converted | 0.557 CFS |
| Classification | Low Flow |
Why Units Matter
Using the wrong units can lead to serious problems:
- Undersized Pipes: Too small diameter causes pressure loss and poor performance
- Oversized Pumps: Unnecessarily high energy costs and equipment wear
- Inefficient Systems: Poor water distribution in irrigation or cooling systems
- Safety Issues: Incorrect flow rates in fire suppression or safety systems
This calculator ensures you always work with the right flow rate units for your specific application, whether you're planning a backyard irrigation system or designing a municipal water treatment plant.