Flow Rate Converter
Convert between cubic meters/second, liters/second, liters/minute, GPM, and cubic feet/second.
How flow rate conversion works
Flow rate measures volume moving past a point over time, so every unit here combines a volume unit (cubic meters, liters, gallons, cubic feet) with a time unit (seconds, minutes). Everything converts through cubic meters per second, the SI unit.
Common conversions
- 1 US gallon per minute (GPM) ≈ 3.785 liters per minute
- A typical residential shower head flows around 2 GPM ≈ 7.6 L/min
- 1 m³/s = 60,000 L/min — a very large flow, typical of rivers or major pipelines rather than household plumbing
Frequently asked questions
What is GPM commonly used for?
GPM (US gallons per minute) is the standard unit for rating pumps, faucets, showerheads, and irrigation systems in the US — plumbing fixtures are frequently labeled with a maximum GPM flow rating.
Why does flow rate matter beyond just volume?
The same total volume delivered quickly vs. slowly has very different practical implications — pipe sizing, pump power requirements, and how fast a tank fills or drains all depend on the rate, not just the total amount.