GPM Per Ton Calculator
Calculate gallons per minute (GPM) per ton for HVAC systems. Determine required water flow rates for cooling and heating applications based on temperature difference.
HVAC Flow Calculator
Flow Rate Results
Enter values and click "Calculate Flow Rate" to see results
GPM Per Ton Calculator – Calculate HVAC Water Flow Easily
In HVAC and chiller systems, proper water flow is essential for efficient heat transfer. A GPM Per Ton Calculator helps determine how many gallons per minute (GPM) are needed for each ton of cooling or heating capacity.
This calculator removes guesswork and ensures your system operates within recommended flow limits. The required flow depends on the temperature difference (ΔT) between supply and return water.
A smaller temperature difference requires higher flow, while a larger difference requires less flow for the same cooling capacity.
HVAC Water Flow Formulas
Standard Cooling Water Flow Calculations
Calculate GPM from Tons
GPM = (Tons × 24) ÷ ΔT
Calculate required flow rate from cooling capacity and temperature difference.
Calculate Tons from GPM
Tons = (GPM × ΔT) ÷ 24
Determine cooling capacity from measured flow rate and temperature difference.
Unit Conversion
1 GPM = 3.785 LPM
Convert between US gallons per minute and liters per minute.
These formulas follow standard HVAC engineering principles for hydronic cooling systems.
HVAC Flow Rate Examples
Common Cooling System Requirements
| Cooling Capacity (Tons) | ΔT (°F) | Required GPM |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 10 | 12 GPM |
| 10 | 12 | 20 GPM |
| 20 | 15 | 32 GPM |
| 30 | 20 | 36 GPM |
These examples show typical water flow requirements for chilled water cooling systems. Actual requirements may vary based on system design and operating conditions.
Why Use a GPM Per Ton Calculator?
Proper System Sizing
Ensure pumps and piping are sized correctly for cooling capacity
Energy Efficiency
Prevent over-sizing that wastes energy and increases costs
Temperature Optimization
Find optimal ΔT for efficient heat transfer
Engineering Education
Learn HVAC water flow principles and calculations
Who Should Use This Tool?
This calculator is ideal for:
- HVAC Engineers: System design and pump sizing
- Mechanical Contractors: Equipment selection and installation
- Facility Managers: System maintenance and optimization
- Property Owners: Understanding cooling system requirements
- Students & Educators: Learning HVAC system design principles
Final Thoughts
Water flow plays a major role in HVAC performance. A GPM Per Ton Calculator provides quick, accurate answers using proven formulas. Just select a tab, enter your tonnage, temperature difference, and get reliable results instantly.