Flow Rate Converter
Convert between different flow rate units instantly with high precision
Quick Examples
What is Flow Rate?
Flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. It's a critical measurement in numerous applications including water supply systems, HVAC systems, industrial processes, and oil production. Understanding and converting between different flow rate units is essential for engineers, technicians, and professionals across various industries.
Flow rate is typically expressed in volumetric units (like cubic meters per second, liters per minute, or gallons per minute) and represents how much volume flows through a pipe, channel, or other conduit in a specific time period. Accurate flow rate measurements ensure efficient operation of systems and proper resource management.
Common Flow Rate Applications
Plumbing & Water Supply
Sizing pipes, pumps, and water heaters. Typical residential water flow is 6-12 GPM (23-45 LPM).
HVAC Systems
Air handling units measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Critical for proper ventilation and climate control.
Industrial Processes
Chemical processing, food production, and manufacturing require precise flow control for quality and safety.
Oil & Gas Industry
Production rates measured in barrels per day (bbl/d). Essential for resource management and revenue calculations.
Understanding Flow Rate Units
Metric Units
The metric system uses liters (L) and cubic meters (m³) as base units. Common combinations include:
- L/min (Liters per Minute) - Most common for water pumps and household applications
- m³/h (Cubic Meters per Hour) - Used for larger industrial systems
- mL/min (Milliliters per Minute) - Precision medical and laboratory equipment
Imperial/US Units
US customary units are prevalent in North America. Key units include:
- GPM (Gallons per Minute) - Standard for plumbing, pumps, and water systems
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) - HVAC, air compressors, and ventilation
- bbl/d (Barrels per Day) - Oil and gas industry standard (1 barrel = 42 US gallons)
Quick Conversion Tips
Common conversions to remember: 1 GPM ≈ 3.785 LPM, 1 CFM ≈ 1.699 m³/h, 1 bbl/d ≈ 6.624 L/h. When working across systems, always double-check your conversions as errors can lead to significant design or operational problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between flow rate and velocity?
Flow rate measures volume per time (like gallons per minute), while velocity measures distance per time (like feet per second). Flow rate = velocity × cross-sectional area. A large pipe with slow flow can have the same flow rate as a small pipe with fast flow.
How accurate is this converter?
This converter uses standard conversion factors with high precision (up to 8 decimal places where appropriate). The calculations are accurate for engineering and professional use. All conversions happen client-side in your browser for instant results.
Why do I need to convert flow rates?
Different regions and industries use different units. Engineers often need to convert between metric and imperial units when working with international specifications, comparing equipment from different manufacturers, or ensuring compatibility between system components.
What flow rate do I need for my application?
Required flow rates vary widely by application. Residential showers typically need 2-2.5 GPM, garden hoses 5-10 GPM, fire sprinklers 15-40 GPM per head, and industrial processes can range from milliliters per minute to thousands of gallons per minute. Always consult relevant codes and specifications for your specific application.