Conversion Factor for GPM to CFS

Flow Rate Conversion Formula:

\[ Q_{cfs} = \frac{Q_{gpm}}{448.83} \]

Flow Rate (CFS): ft³/s

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1. What is GPM to CFS Conversion?

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

Purpose: It helps engineers, hydrologists, and water management professionals convert between these common flow rate units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q_{cfs} = \frac{Q_{gpm}}{448.83} \]

Where:

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

Explanation: The GPM value is divided by the conversion factor to get the equivalent flow rate in CFS.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Different industries use different flow rate units. Converting between them ensures accurate measurements and calculations in fluid dynamics, hydrology, and engineering projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.83?
A: It's derived from the relationship between gallons and cubic feet (1 ft³ = 7.48052 gallons) and minutes to seconds (1 minute = 60 seconds).

Q2: When would I need to convert GPM to CFS?
A: Common in water resource management, hydraulic engineering, and when working with systems that use different standard units.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion factor is precise to 5 decimal places (448.83117), though we use 448.83 for most practical applications.

Q4: What's a typical GPM value for residential water systems?
A: Typical home water pressure provides 5-10 GPM, while whole-house systems might handle 15-20 GPM.

Q5: Can I convert CFS back to GPM?
A: Yes, multiply CFS by 448.83 to get GPM.