Convert volumetric flow rate between liters per second, gallons per minute, cubic meters per hour, CFM, barrels per day, and other common units.
Metric Units
L/s
L/min
m³/h
m³/s
Imperial Units
gal/min (US)
gal/min (UK)
cfm
bbl/day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do US and UK gallons per minute differ?
The US gallon (3.785 L) and the imperial gallon used in the UK (4.546 L) were defined independently and differ by roughly 20%. A flow rate of 1 gal/min (US) is approximately 0.833 gal/min (UK). Always confirm which gallon is in use before converting pump specifications or plumbing drawings across regions.
What is CFM and where is it used?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute (ft³/min). It is the standard unit for airflow in HVAC, ventilation, and compressed-air systems throughout the United States. One CFM equals approximately 0.472 L/s or 28.3 L/min.
How do I convert liters per second to gallons per minute (US)?
Multiply by 15.850. One liter per second equals 60 liters per minute; one US gallon equals 3.785 liters, so 60 ÷ 3.785 ≈ 15.850 gal/min. Conversely, divide gal/min by 15.850 to get L/s.
How large is a barrel in the context of flow rate?
An oil barrel (bbl) is defined as 42 US gallons, or approximately 158.987 liters. Barrels per day (bbl/day) is the standard production unit for crude oil and refinery output. One bbl/day equals roughly 0.00184 L/s or 0.00662 m³/h.
Disclaimer
Converted values are rounded for display. US and UK gallon-based units differ — confirm the intended standard before using converted values for engineering, pump sizing, or regulatory filings.
