Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between cubic feet per second (ft³/s) and gallons per minute (GPM) is commonly used in fluid dynamics and engineering to express flow rates in different units. This is particularly important in water supply systems, hydrology, and various industrial applications.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: One cubic foot per second equals exactly 448.831168831 gallons per minute.
Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is essential for engineering calculations, system design, pump sizing, and when working with specifications that use different units of measurement.
Tips: Enter the flow rate in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The value must be positive. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent in gallons per minute (GPM).
Q1: Why convert between ft³/s and GPM?
A: Different industries and applications use different standard units. Conversion allows for comparison and compatibility between systems.
Q2: Is the conversion factor exact?
A: Yes, 448.831... is an exact conversion based on the definition that 1 cubic foot = 7.48051948 gallons and 1 minute = 60 seconds.
Q3: What are typical ft³/s values in practice?
A: Small streams might flow at 1-10 ft³/s, while large rivers can exceed 10,000 ft³/s. Piping systems often use fractions of ft³/s.
Q4: Can I convert GPM back to ft³/s?
A: Yes, divide GPM by 448.831 to get ft³/s. The inverse of the conversion factor is approximately 0.002228.
Q5: When would I need this conversion?
A: Common when working with US customary units in hydraulic engineering, water treatment, or when comparing pump specifications.