GPM to CFS Conversion Factor

Flow Rate Conversion Formula:

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

Flow Rate (CFS):

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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 system designers convert between these common flow rate units.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion uses the formula:

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

Where:

\( Q_{cfs} \) — Flow rate in cubic feet per second
\( Q_{gpm} \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute
448.83 — Conversion factor (gallons per minute to cubic feet per second)

Explanation: The conversion factor 448.83 comes from the relationship between gallons, cubic feet, and time units (60 seconds per minute).

3. Importance of Flow Rate Conversion

Details: Different industries use different units - GPM is common in plumbing while CFS is standard in hydrology and civil engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and the calculator will provide the equivalent in cubic feet per second (CFS).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 448.83?
A: It's derived from 7.48052 gallons per cubic foot × 60 seconds per minute (7.48052 × 60 = 448.8312).

Q2: When would I need to convert GPM to CFS?
A: When working with water systems that use different units or when complying with regulatory requirements that specify CFS.

Q3: How precise is this conversion?
A: The calculator uses 6 decimal places for precision, though most practical applications require fewer.

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

Q5: What's a typical flow rate in CFS?
A: Small streams might be 1-10 CFS, while large rivers can be thousands of CFS.