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 flow rate measurement in fluid dynamics 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 and seconds.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Accurate flow rate conversion is crucial for engineering calculations, pipe sizing, pump selection, and hydraulic system design where different units may be used in specifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). The value must be positive. 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 US customary units where different systems use different standard units.

Q3: What's the typical range for GPM in piping systems?
A: Residential water systems might be 5-20 GPM, while industrial systems can be hundreds or thousands of GPM.

Q4: Is this conversion only for water?
A: The conversion is valid for any fluid when using volumetric flow rates. For mass flow rates, density must be considered.

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is precise to six significant figures, adequate for most engineering applications.