Flow Rate Conversion Formula:
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The GPM to CFS conversion calculates flow rate from gallons per minute to cubic feet per second. This conversion is essential in hydraulic engineering, water resource management, and fluid dynamics applications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor is derived from the relationship between volume units (1 gallon = 0.133681 cubic feet) and time units (1 minute = 60 seconds).
Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is crucial for designing water distribution systems, calculating pump capacities, analyzing river flows, and ensuring proper hydraulic calculations in engineering projects.
Tips: Enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). The value must be positive. The calculator will automatically convert it to cubic feet per second (CFS).
Q1: Why convert GPM to CFS?
A: Different industries use different units. Civil engineering often uses CFS, while plumbing and pumping applications commonly use GPM. Conversion ensures consistency across calculations.
Q2: What is the conversion factor based on?
A: It's based on the definition: 1 gallon = 0.133681 cubic feet and 1 minute = 60 seconds, so 1 GPM = 0.133681/60 = 0.002228 CFS.
Q3: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Commonly used in water resource engineering, irrigation system design, stormwater management, and hydraulic calculations for pipes and channels.
Q4: Are there any limitations to this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact for water and similar density fluids. For fluids with significantly different densities, additional factors may be needed.
Q5: Can I convert CFS back to GPM?
A: Yes, use the inverse conversion: GPM = CFS ÷ 0.0022280092592591046 or GPM = CFS × 448.831.