1. What is CFS to GPM Conversion?

Definition: This calculator converts flow rate from cubic feet per second (CFS) to gallons per minute (GPM).

Purpose: It helps hydraulic engineers, plumbers, and water system designers work with different flow rate units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_{gpm} \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute
• \( Q_{cfs} \) — Flow rate in cubic feet per second
• \( 448.83 \) — Conversion factor (1 ft³/s = 448.83 gpm)

Explanation: The conversion factor accounts for both volume (1 ft³ = 7.48052 gallons) and time (1 second = 1/60 minutes) conversions.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Different industries use different units - CFS is common in large-scale water systems while GPM is used in plumbing and smaller systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in cubic feet per second (CFS). The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.83?
A: It combines the volume conversion (1 ft³ = 7.48052 gallons) with the time conversion (60 seconds/minute).

Q2: When would I need to convert CFS to GPM?
A: When working with specifications or equipment that use different units, or when comparing systems that report in different units.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, assuming the input value is accurate.

Q4: Can I convert GPM back to CFS?
A: Yes, divide GPM by 448.83 to get CFS.

Q5: What's a typical CFS value for residential water systems?
A: Residential systems typically measure in GPM (e.g., 5-10 gpm). 1 CFS equals about 449 GPM, which would be a large municipal flow.