1. What is a CFS to GPM Converter?

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 resource professionals convert between these common flow rate units.

2. How Does the Converter Work?

The converter 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 hydrology while GPM is standard in plumbing and smaller water systems.

4. Using the Converter

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in cubic feet per second (CFS). The converter will automatically calculate the equivalent in gallons per minute (GPM).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 448.83 as the conversion factor?
A: It combines both volume (1 ft³ = 7.48052 gallons) and time (60 seconds/minute) conversions: 7.48052 × 60 = 448.8312.

Q2: When would I need this conversion?
A: When comparing flow rates between large-scale water systems (CFS) and plumbing systems (GPM), or when working with equipment specifications.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is mathematically exact, though practical measurements may have instrumentation errors.

Q4: Can I convert GPM back to CFS?
A: Yes, divide GPM by 448.83 to get CFS. We may add this reverse calculation in future updates.

Q5: What's a typical CFS value for a small stream?
A: Small streams might range from 1-10 CFS (448-4,488 GPM), while large rivers can be thousands of CFS.