L/s to m³/h Volumetric Flow Rate Conversion Chart
| Liter per second (L/s) | Cubic meter per hour (m3/h) | Reference Benchmark | Formula Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 L/s | 0.18 m3/h | Laboratory Microfluidic Peristaltic Pump Feed Rate | 0.05 × 3.6 = 0.18 m³/h |
| 0.1 L/s | 0.36 m3/h | Water-Saving Sanitary Basin Faucet Aerator Discharge | 0.1 × 3.6 = 0.36 m³/h |
| 0.2 L/s | 0.72 m3/h | Domestic Shower Mixer Normal Operational Water Flow | 0.2 × 3.6 = 0.72 m³/h |
| 0.5 L/s | 1.8 m3/h | Continuous Flow Domestic Gas Water Heater Header | 0.5 × 3.6 = 1.8 m³/h |
| 1 L/s | 3.6 m3/h | Residential Garden Hose Spray Nozzle Delivery Rate | 1 × 3.6 = 3.6 m³/h |
| 2 L/s | 7.2 m3/h | Residential In-Ground Swimming Pool Circulation Pump | 2 × 3.6 = 7.2 m³/h |
| 5 L/s | 18 m3/h | Commercial Building Hydronic Heating Sub-Loop Circuit | 5 × 3.6 = 18 m³/h |
| 10 L/s | 36 m3/h | Agricultural Field Drip Irrigation Sub-Main Supply Header | 10 × 3.6 = 36 m³/h |
| 15 L/s | 54 m3/h | Industrial Food Processing Liquid Blending Pipeline | 15 × 3.6 = 54 m³/h |
| 20 L/s | 72 m3/h | Commercial HVAC Chilled Water Primary Loop Header Pump | 20 × 3.6 = 72 m³/h |
| 25 L/s | 90 m3/h | Commercial Building Automatic Fire Sprinkler Riser Standpipe | 25 × 3.6 = 90 m³/h |
| 50 L/s | 180 m3/h | Industrial Factory Process Cooling Water Supply Header | 50 × 3.6 = 180 m³/h |
| 100 L/s | 360 m3/h | Municipal Potable Water Booster Pumping Station Header | 100 × 3.6 = 360 m³/h |
| 250 L/s | 900 m3/h | Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier Inflow Channel | 250 × 3.6 = 900 m³/h |
| 500 L/s | 1800 m3/h | Regional Stormwater Flood Control Drainage Canal Station | 500 × 3.6 = 1800 m³/h |
Liter per second to Cubic meter per hour Formula & Unit Definitions
The conversion constant is an exact integer decimal derived from fundamental SI metrics: one liter is one-thousandth of a cubic meter (0.001 m³), and one hour contains exactly 3,600 seconds. Multiplying these quantities (0.001 × 3,600) produces exactly 3.6. Therefore, multiplying any flow rate in liters per second by 3.6 yields the exact volumetric discharge in cubic meters per hour.
Quick Estimation: Quick mental shortcut: To convert L/s to m³/h in your head, multiply by 3.6 (or multiply by 3 and add 20%). For example, 10 L/s gives (10 × 3) + 6 = 36 m³/h; 20 L/s gives (20 × 3) + 12 = 72 m³/h; 5 L/s gives (5 × 3) + 3 = 18 m³/h.
Liter per second — L/s
Coherent SI Standard- Standard coherent metric unit for fluid discharge velocity (1 L/s = 1 dm³/s = 0.001 m³/s)
- Core unit for pipe friction head loss, acoustic velocity limits, and orifice discharge equations
- Directly equivalent to exactly 3.6 cubic meters per hour
Cubic meter per hour — m³/h
SI Industrial Metric- Standard international metric unit for bulk fluid delivery (1 m³/h = 1,000 L/h)
- Universal specification in European and Asian centrifugal pump curves, cooling towers, and utilities
- Equivalent to exactly 0.277778 liters per second
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the exact formula to convert liters per second to cubic meters per hour?
Multiply the flow rate in liters per second by 3.6: Flow (m³/h) = Flow (L/s) × 3.6. For example, 10 L/s × 3.6 = 36 m³/h.
Q.What is the reverse conversion from cubic meters per hour to liters per second?
To convert back, use the Cubic Meters per Hour to Liters per Second Converter where you divide m³/h by 3.6.
Q.Why is the conversion factor exactly 3.6?
One liter is 0.001 cubic meters, and one hour contains 3,600 seconds. Multiplying 0.001 by 3,600 gives exactly 3.6.
Q.What is 20 L/s in cubic meters per hour?
20 liters per second equals exactly 72 cubic meters per hour (m³/h), a typical flow rate for commercial chiller condenser circuits.