1. What is GPM to CFS Conversion?

The GPM (gallons per minute) to CFS (cubic feet per second) conversion is used to convert between two common units of volumetric flow rate. This is particularly important in fluid dynamics, hydrology, and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( CFS \) — Cubic feet per second
• \( GPM \) — Gallons per minute
• \( 448.831 \) — Conversion factor (gallons per minute to cubic feet per second)

Explanation: The conversion factor 448.831 comes from the relationship between gallons and cubic feet, and minutes to seconds.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is essential for engineering designs, water resource management, pump sizing, and hydraulic calculations where different measurement systems are used.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and the calculator will automatically compute the equivalent in cubic feet per second (CFS).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.831?
A: This comes from 1 cubic foot = 7.48052 gallons and 1 minute = 60 seconds (7.48052 × 60 ≈ 448.831).

Q2: When would I need to convert GPM to CFS?
A: Common in civil engineering, hydrology, and when working with systems that use different standard units.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, assuming US gallons are used.

Q4: Can this be used for any liquid or just water?
A: The conversion is purely volumetric and works for any liquid, though the flow characteristics may differ.

Q5: What's the difference between GPM and CFS?
A: GPM measures gallons per minute while CFS measures cubic feet per second - they're just different units for the same physical quantity.