GPM to L/s Volumetric Flow Rate Conversion Chart
| Gallon per minute (US) (gpm) | Liter per second (L/s) | Reference Benchmark | Formula Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 gpm | 0.063 L/s | Residential Undersink Point-of-Use Water Filter Flow | 1 × 0.0630902 = 0.0631 L/s |
| 2 gpm | 0.126 L/s | Standard Kitchen Faucet Aerated Basin Discharge | 2 × 0.0630902 = 0.126 L/s |
| 5 gpm | 0.315 L/s | Residential Garden Hose Spray Nozzle Delivery Rate | 5 × 0.0630902 = 0.315 L/s |
| 10 gpm | 0.631 L/s | Whole-House Domestic Water Main Service Feed | 10 × 0.0630902 = 0.631 L/s |
| 15 gpm | 0.946 L/s | Multi-Family Residential Water Heater Header Flow | 15 × 0.0630902 = 0.946 L/s |
| 20 gpm | 1.26 L/s | Residential In-Ground Swimming Pool Filter Pump | 20 × 0.0630902 = 1.26 L/s |
| 25 gpm | 1.58 L/s | Commercial Hydronic HVAC Coil Secondary Circuit | 25 × 0.0630902 = 1.58 L/s |
| 50 gpm | 3.15 L/s | Light Industrial Spray Coating Washdown Station | 50 × 0.0630902 = 3.15 L/s |
| 75 gpm | 4.73 L/s | Agricultural Turf Irrigation Sub-Main Lateral Header | 75 × 0.0630902 = 4.73 L/s |
| 100 gpm | 6.31 L/s | Commercial Building Cooling Tower Recirculation Pump | 100 × 0.0630902 = 6.31 L/s |
| 150 gpm | 9.46 L/s | Industrial Food Processing Liquid Transfer Line | 150 × 0.0630902 = 9.46 L/s |
| 250 gpm | 15.77 L/s | Commercial Building Fire Protection Standpipe Zone | 250 × 0.0630902 = 15.77 L/s |
| 500 gpm | 31.55 L/s | Municipal Water Treatment Plant Filter Backwash Pump | 500 × 0.0630902 = 31.55 L/s |
| 1000 gpm | 63.09 L/s | Municipal Potable Water Distribution Supply Main | 1000 × 0.0630902 = 63.09 L/s |
| 2500 gpm | 157.73 L/s | Regional Stormwater Flood Control Drainage Station | 2500 × 0.0630902 = 157.73 L/s |
Gallon per minute (US) to Liter per second Formula & Unit Definitions
The mathematical relationship combines volumetric conversion with a minute-to-second time transformation. One US gallon equals 3.785411784 liters, and dividing by 60 seconds produces 0.0630901964 L/s (~0.0630902 L/s). Therefore, multiplying any flow rate in gallons per minute by 0.0630902 calculates the precise discharge in liters per second.
Quick Estimation: Quick mental shortcut: To convert GPM to L/s in your head, divide the GPM by 16 (or divide by 10 and multiply by 0.63). For example, 16 GPM ÷ 16 ≈ 1 L/s (exact: 1.01 L/s); 100 GPM gives 10 × 0.63 = 6.3 L/s (exact: 6.31 L/s).
Gallon per minute — GPM
US Customary Flow- Standard US engineering unit for liquid flow rate (1 GPM = 231 cubic inches per minute)
- Dominant rating metric for American pump performance curves and HVAC chillers
- Equal to approximately 0.06309 liters per second (based on the US liquid gallon)
Liter per second — L/s
SI Metric Standard- Coherent metric flow unit for high-velocity discharge (1 L/s = 1 cubic decimeter per second)
- Primary unit for international municipal hydraulics, wastewater treatment, and pipe sizing
- Directly equivalent to 60 liters per minute and approximately 15.850323 US GPM
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How do you convert GPM to liters per second accurately?
Multiply the flow rate in gallons per minute (US) by 0.0630902 (or divide by 15.850323). For example, 100 GPM × 0.0630902 = 6.31 L/s.
Q.What is the reverse conversion from liters per second to GPM?
To convert back, use the Liters per Second to GPM Converter where 1 L/s equals approximately 15.850323 GPM.
Q.Why do hydraulic engineers use L/s instead of L/min?
Hydraulic and fluid dynamic equations typically operate with seconds as the base SI unit of time, making L/s directly compatible with flow velocity (meters per second) and pipe diameter.
Q.What is 50 GPM in liters per second?
50 gallons per minute equals approximately 3.15 liters per second (L/s).