Volumetric flow rate is a fundamental parameter in process engineering, representing the volume of fluid passing through a given cross-section per unit of time. The cubic meter per hour (m³/h) and cubic meter per second (m³/s) are both SI-derived units used to quantify this flow.
Cubic meter per hour (m³/h): Commonly used in industrial process control, HVAC systems, and water treatment plants to describe hourly throughput or pump capacity.
Cubic meter per second (m³/s): The SI base unit for volumetric flow rate. It is frequently utilized in large-scale hydraulic engineering, such as measuring river discharge or the output of massive hydroelectric turbines.
To convert between these units, we recognize that one hour contains 3,600 seconds. Therefore, the conversion factor is derived from the relationship \(1 \text{ m}^3/\text{h} = \frac{1}{3600} \text{ m}^3/\text{s}\), which yields approximately \(0.0002777777777777778 \text{ m}^3/\text{s}\).
Cubic meter per hour to Cubic meter per second Conversion Reference Table
Cubic meter per hour (m³/h)
Cubic meter per second (m³/s)
0.1
2.7778e-05
0.5
1.3889e-04
1.0
2.7778e-04
2.0
5.5556e-04
5.0
0.0014
10.0
0.0028
20.0
0.0056
50.0
0.0139
100.0
0.0278
500.0
0.1389
1000.0
0.2778
Conversion Example: 10 m³/h to m³/s
To convert a flow rate from m³/h to m³/s, multiply the value by the conversion factor of \(0.0002777777777777778\).
Since there are 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute, one hour equals 3,600 seconds. Dividing one cubic meter by 3,600 seconds gives the flow rate per second.
Use m³/s for scientific calculations and large-scale fluid dynamics where SI consistency is required. Use m³/h for standard industrial equipment ratings and daily operational reporting.
"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)