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GPM to CFS Conversion Formula:
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GPM (gallons per minute) to CFS (cubic feet per second) conversion is a common calculation in fluid dynamics and hydraulic engineering. It converts flow rates between these two commonly used units in water management, irrigation, and civil engineering applications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor 448.8 is derived from the relationship between gallons and cubic feet, and minutes to seconds (1 cubic foot = 7.48052 gallons, 1 minute = 60 seconds).
Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is essential for hydraulic calculations, pipe sizing, pump selection, and water resource management. Different industries and regions use different units, making conversion necessary for proper communication and design.
Tips: Enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). The value must be positive. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent flow rate in cubic feet per second (CFS).
Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.8?
A: The factor comes from: 1 cubic foot = 7.48052 gallons and 1 minute = 60 seconds, so 1 CFS = 7.48052 × 60 = 448.8312 GPM (rounded to 448.8).
Q2: When would I need to convert GPM to CFS?
A: Common applications include hydraulic engineering, water treatment plant design, irrigation system planning, and when working with standards that use different units.
Q3: What is a typical range for GPM values?
A: Residential water systems: 5-20 GPM, small pumps: 10-100 GPM, municipal water systems: 100-10,000+ GPM.
Q4: Are there other common flow rate units?
A: Yes, including liters per second (LPS), cubic meters per hour (m³/h), and million gallons per day (MGD).
Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact based on standard unit definitions. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurement.