Convert Cubic Feet per Minute to Liters per Minute

Formula

L/min = CFM × 28.316846592

Derivation from SI units:

• 1 CFM = (0.3048 m)³ ÷ 60 s = 4.719474432 × 10⁻⁴ m³/s
• 1 L/min = 10⁻³ m³ ÷ 60 s
• 1 CFM = 0.0004719474432 m³/s ÷ 0.00001666666666667 m³/s per L/min = 28.316846592 L/min

Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Cubic Foot per Minute definition: cubic foot per minute; Liter per Minute definition: liter per minute.

Worked examples

1. A particle counter sampling 1 CFM draws 28.31684659 L/min.
   1 CFM × 28.31684659 = 28.31684659 L/min
2. A small vacuum pump rated 3.5 CFM moves 99.10896307 L/min.
   3.5 CFM × 28.31684659 = 99.10896307 L/min

Where it's used

Particle counters, air samplers and small pumps are rated in CFM in the US and in L/min elsewhere. One CFM is about 28.3 L/min.

Cubic Foot per Minute to other flow rate units

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 811, 2008 Edition, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Appendix B.8, "cubic foot per minute (ft³/min)".
• The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Table 8 (litre, minute).

Last reviewed: 2026-10-15. Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.