CFM to LPM Calculator
Convert cubic feet per minute to litres per minute instantly — or flip it and go LPM to CFM. Get the result, the formula, related units, and a full reference table, all in one place.
CFM ↔ LPM Converter
Convert airflow between cubic feet per minute and litres per minute
Enter the airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM)
Conversion Result
CFM ↔ LPM airflow conversion
Enter a flow rate value and click Convert to see the result in litres per minute and other units.
CFM to LPM Reference Table
Common cubic-feet-per-minute values converted to litres per minute. Use this table for quick look-ups without running the calculator each time.
| CFM | LPM | LPS | m³/h | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 CFM | 14.16 LPM | 0.24 LPS | 0.85 m³/h | Small aquarium pump |
| 1 CFM | 28.32 LPM | 0.47 LPS | 1.70 m³/h | Bathroom extractor fan |
| 5 CFM | 141.58 LPM | 2.36 LPS | 8.50 m³/h | Small room ventilation |
| 10 CFM | 283.17 LPM | 4.72 LPS | 17.00 m³/h | Kitchen range hood (low) |
| 25 CFM | 707.92 LPM | 11.80 LPS | 42.48 m³/h | Residential HVAC supply |
| 50 CFM | 1,415.84 LPM | 23.60 LPS | 84.95 m³/h | Standard bathroom fan |
| 100 CFM | 2,831.68 LPM | 47.19 LPS | 169.90 m³/h | Small AC unit |
| 200 CFM | 5,663.37 LPM | 94.39 LPS | 339.80 m³/h | Commercial kitchen exhaust |
| 500 CFM | 14,158.42 LPM | 235.97 LPS | 849.51 m³/h | Air handling unit (small) |
| 1,000 CFM | 28,316.85 LPM | 471.95 LPS | 1,699.01 m³/h | Rooftop HVAC unit |
| 5,000 CFM | 141,584.23 LPM | 2,359.74 LPS | 8,495.06 m³/h | Industrial ventilation |
| 10,000 CFM | 283,168.47 LPM | 4,719.47 LPS | 16,990.11 m³/h | Large data centre cooling |
CFM to LPM FAQ
Everything you need to know about converting between cubic feet per minute and litres per minute.
To convert CFM (cubic feet per minute) to LPM (litres per minute), multiply by 28.3168. Formula: LPM = CFM × 28.3168. For example, 10 CFM = 10 × 28.3168 = 283.168 LPM. This factor comes from the fact that 1 cubic foot equals exactly 28.316846592 litres.
To convert LPM to CFM, divide by 28.3168. Formula: CFM = LPM ÷ 28.3168. For example, 100 LPM = 100 ÷ 28.3168 ≈ 3.531 CFM. Use the toggle at the top of the calculator to switch to LPM → CFM mode.
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It is a unit of volumetric flow rate predominantly used in the United States and Canada to measure airflow in HVAC systems, ventilation fans, air compressors, vacuum pumps, and engine induction. It tells you how many cubic feet of fluid (usually air) pass a given point each minute.
LPM stands for Litres per Minute. It is a metric unit of volumetric flow rate used worldwide, particularly in Europe, Australia, and in medical, laboratory, and industrial contexts. It measures how many litres of fluid pass a given point each minute. LPM is the metric equivalent of CFM for most practical airflow and fluid flow applications.
The exact conversion factor is 1 CFM = 28.316846592 LPM. This is derived directly from the definition of the cubic foot: 1 foot = 0.3048 metres, so 1 cubic foot = (0.3048)³ m³ = 0.028316846592 m³ = 28.316846592 litres. For most practical purposes, 28.3168 or even 28.32 is sufficient.
CFM is predominantly used in North America for HVAC systems, air compressors, dust collection, and engine airflow ratings. LPM is widely used in Europe and internationally, including in medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, anaesthesia machines), laboratory instruments, water treatment, and industrial gas systems. When working across international projects, converting between the two is common.
No. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) refers to actual flow at current operating temperature and pressure. SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) is corrected to standard reference conditions — typically 68°F (20°C) and 1 atmosphere of pressure. At high altitudes or elevated temperatures, CFM and SCFM can differ significantly. This calculator converts actual CFM to LPM; if you are working with SCFM, ensure your source value is already in actual CFM before converting.
1 CFM is equal to approximately 28.3168 LPM. Conversely, 1 LPM is equal to approximately 0.03531 CFM. A quick mental approximation: multiply CFM by 28 to get a rough LPM figure, or divide LPM by 28 to get approximate CFM.