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How to use
Volumetric flow rate measures volume passing per unit time. The converter normalizes values internally to m³/s and then converts to the requested unit. To convert L/min to m³/h, multiply by 0.06: 60 L/min = 3.6 m³/h. Relating volumetric flow to mass flow also requires density. At an entered density of 1,000 kg/m³, a flow of 0.001 m³/s corresponds to 1 kg/s. The density step is separate from this volumetric unit converter.
- Enter the flow value.
- Choose source and target units.
- Review the result plus L/min, m³/h and US GPM equivalents.
How it is calculated
Example
1 L/s = 60 L/min = 3.6 m³/h ≈ 15.8503 US GPM.
Important notes
US and Imperial gallons are different, so each has its own unit. A volumetric conversion does not automatically produce mass flow; that requires fluid density.
Worked examples and interpreting results
Flow of 60 L/min equals 1 L/s, or 0.001 m³/s. Both volume and time units must be converted because volumetric flow is volume per unit time.
| Case | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liters/minute to liters/second | 60 ÷ 60 | 1 L/s |
| Liters/minute to m³/s | 60 ÷ 1000 ÷ 60 | 0.001 m³/s |
| 60 L/min to cubic metres per hour | 60 × 60 ÷ 1000 | 3.6 m³/h |
| 60 L/min to US liquid gallons per minute | 60 ÷ 3.785411784 | 15.850323 US GPM |
How to check the result
Volumetric flow differs from fluid speed in m/s; relating them needs cross-sectional area. Mass flow needs density. Converting units alone does not determine pump performance or required pressure.
Volumetric flow rate: Q = area × velocity
Volumetric flow rate is the volume of fluid passing through an area per unit time. For steady flow, multiply cross-sectional area by mean normal velocity; 1 m³/s equals 1,000 L/s.
- 0.005 m³/s to litres per second: 0.005×1000 = 5 L/s
- Area 0.02 m² at 3 m/s: 0.02×3 = 0.06 m³/s
- 120 L/min to L/s: 120÷60 = 2 L/s
Calculation caveat
Use average velocity across the cross-section rather than peak velocity. Mass flow also depends on fluid density and is a different quantity.
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Frequently asked questions
Are US and Imperial GPM the same?
No. Their gallon volumes differ.
Can I convert L/min to m³/h?
Yes. 1 L/min = 0.06 m³/h.
Does this calculate mass flow?
No. It converts volumetric flow only.
What is the difference between volumetric and mass flow rate?
Volumetric flow measures volume per time, such as m³/s, while mass flow measures mass per time, such as kg/s. They are related by density: mass flow equals density times volumetric flow.
How do I convert mass flow to volumetric flow?
Use Q = ṁ/ρ with compatible units. For example, 2 kg/s at density 1,000 kg/m³ gives 0.002 m³/s, or 120 L/min. Density must be supplied separately; this converter does not infer it.