1. What is an Air Flow Unit Conversion Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts air flow measurements from gallons per minute (GPM) to cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians work with different air flow measurement units commonly used in various systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_{cfm} \) — Flow rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM)
• \( Q_{gpm} \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• 7.481 — Conversion factor (gallons per cubic foot)

Explanation: Since there are 7.481 gallons in one cubic foot, multiplying GPM by this factor converts the measurement to CFM.

3. Importance of Air Flow Unit Conversion

Details: Proper unit conversion ensures accurate system design, performance calculations, and equipment selection in HVAC and ventilation systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and the calculator will automatically convert it to cubic feet per minute (CFM).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert between GPM and CFM?
A: Different industries and applications use different units, and conversion is often needed for system design and comparison.

Q2: Is the conversion factor always 7.481?
A: Yes, this is a constant based on the US gallon to cubic foot relationship (1 ft³ = 7.481 gallons).

Q3: When would I need GPM to CFM conversion?
A: When working with air handling systems where flow rates might be specified in different units by different components.

Q4: Can this be used for liquid flow rates?
A: The conversion factor is valid for any volumetric flow rate, but CFM is typically used for gases while GPM is more common for liquids.

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, but practical measurements may have instrumentation errors.