m³/h to L/s Volumetric Flow Rate Conversion Chart
| Cubic meter per hour (m3/h) | Liter per second (L/s) | Reference Benchmark | Formula Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 m3/h | 0.028 L/s | Laboratory Microfluidic Peristaltic Feed Tube | 0.1 × 0.277778 = 0.0278 L/s |
| 0.2 m3/h | 0.056 L/s | Domestic Reverse Osmosis Potable Water Feed Rate | 0.2 × 0.277778 = 0.0556 L/s |
| 0.5 m3/h | 0.139 L/s | Sanitary Bathroom Lavatory Basin Faucet Discharge | 0.5 × 0.277778 = 0.1389 L/s |
| 1 m3/h | 0.278 L/s | Domestic Continuous Flow Hot Water Circulator | 1 × 0.277778 = 0.2778 L/s |
| 2 m3/h | 0.556 L/s | Residential Garden Irrigation Zone Sub-Main Feed | 2 × 0.277778 = 0.5556 L/s |
| 3.6 m3/h | 1 L/s | Standard European Domestic Water Meter Peak Flow | 3.6 × 0.277778 = 1 L/s |
| 5 m3/h | 1.389 L/s | Residential Swimming Pool Sand Filter Circulation Pump | 5 × 0.277778 = 1.3889 L/s |
| 10 m3/h | 2.778 L/s | Commercial Hydronic Heating Secondary Manifold Loop | 10 × 0.277778 = 2.7778 L/s |
| 18 m3/h | 5 L/s | Agricultural Field Drip Irrigation Lateral Main Header | 18 × 0.277778 = 5 L/s |
| 25 m3/h | 6.944 L/s | Commercial HVAC Chilled Water Primary Circulation Pump | 25 × 0.277778 = 6.9444 L/s |
| 36 m3/h | 10 L/s | Industrial Factory Process Cooling Water Supply Header | 36 × 0.277778 = 10 L/s |
| 50 m3/h | 13.889 L/s | Commercial Building Automatic Fire Sprinkler Riser | 50 × 0.277778 = 13.8889 L/s |
| 100 m3/h | 27.778 L/s | Municipal Potable Water Booster Pumping Station Main | 100 × 0.277778 = 27.7778 L/s |
| 250 m3/h | 69.444 L/s | Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier Inflow Channel | 250 × 0.277778 = 69.4445 L/s |
| 500 m3/h | 138.889 L/s | Municipal Stormwater Drainage Lift Pumping Station | 500 × 0.277778 = 138.889 L/s |
Cubic meter per hour to Liter per second Formula & Unit Definitions
The conversion formula derives directly from the rational relationship between cubic meters, liters, and seconds: one cubic meter contains 1,000 liters, while one hour comprises 3,600 seconds. Dividing 1,000 liters by 3,600 seconds yields 1/3.6 = 0.27777778 L/s (or approximately 0.277778 L/s). To convert any flow rate in cubic meters per hour to liters per second, divide by 3.6 (or multiply by 0.277778).
Quick Estimation: Quick mental shortcut: To convert m³/h to L/s in your head, divide by 3.6 (or divide by 4 and add 10%). For example, 3.6 m³/h ÷ 3.6 = 1 L/s; 18 m³/h ÷ 3.6 = 5 L/s; 36 m³/h ÷ 3.6 = 10 L/s; 72 m³/h gives 20 L/s.
Cubic meter per hour — m³/h
SI Industrial Metric- Standard international metric unit for bulk volumetric flow handling (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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the exact formula to convert cubic meters per hour to liters per second?
Divide the flow rate in cubic meters per hour by 3.6 (or multiply by 0.277778). For example, 36 m³/h ÷ 3.6 = 10 L/s.
Q.What is the reverse conversion from liters per second to cubic meters per hour?
To convert back, use the Liters per Second to Cubic Meters per Hour Converter where you multiply L/s by 3.6.
Q.How many liters per second are in 1 cubic meter per hour?
One cubic meter per hour equals approximately 0.277778 liters per second (calculated as 1,000 liters divided by 3,600 seconds).
Q.What is 18 m³/h in liters per second?
18 cubic meters per hour equals exactly 5 liters per second (L/s), a common design capacity for commercial irrigation and cooling headers.