Volumetric flow rate measures the volume of a fluid that passes through a given cross-section per unit of time. In engineering, two of the most common units are Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and Cubic Meters per Second (m³/s).
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM): Primarily used in the United States, this unit is the standard for measuring airflow in HVAC systems, pneumatic tools, and industrial ventilation. It represents the volume of air in cubic feet moving through a duct or opening every minute.
Cubic Meters per Second (m³/s): This is the SI derived unit for volumetric flow rate. It is the global standard for scientific research, large-scale fluid dynamics, and international engineering projects.
To convert between these systems, we utilize the relationship where \(1 \text{ ft}^3 \approx 0.0283168 \text{ m}^3\) and \(1 \text{ minute} = 60 \text{ seconds}\). By combining these, we derive the conversion factor: \(1 \text{ CFM} \approx 0.000471947443 \text{ m}^3/\text{s}\).
Cubic foot per minute to Cubic meter per second Conversion Reference Table
Cubic foot per minute (CFM)
Cubic meter per second (m³/s)
0.1
4.7195e-05
0.5
2.3597e-04
1.0
4.7195e-04
2.0
9.4389e-04
5.0
0.0024
10.0
0.0047
20.0
0.0094
50.0
0.0236
100.0
0.0472
500.0
0.236
1000.0
0.4719
Conversion Example: 10 CFM to m³/s
To convert a flow rate from CFM to m³/s, multiply the value by the conversion factor of 0.000471947443.
Result: 10 CFM is equivalent to approximately 0.00472 m³/s.
The cubic meter per second is the SI unit, which ensures consistency across international engineering standards. Using SI units eliminates the need for complex conversion factors when calculating Reynolds numbers or other dimensionless fluid dynamics parameters.
Yes. Because this is a volumetric conversion, it is independent of the fluid density or temperature. Whether you are measuring air, water, or oil, the geometric conversion factor remains 0.000471947443.
"On fait la science avec des faits, comme on fait une maison avec des pierres ; mais une accumulation de faits n'est pas plus une science qu'un tas de pierres n'est une maison." "Science is built up of facts, as a house is built of stones; but an accumulation of facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house." — Henri Poincaré (French Mathematician, Theoretical Physicist & Mining Engineer)