What is the formula to convert LPM to CFM?

To convert Liters Per Minute (LPM) to Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM), divide the LPM value by 28.3168466 (or multiply by 0.0353147). Formula: CFM = LPM ÷ 28.31685.

How many Liters Per Minute is 1 CFM?

1 CFM (Cubic Foot Per Minute) equals exactly 28.316846592 Liters Per Minute (approx. 28.32 LPM or 0.472 Liters per second).

How many CFM compressor do I need for my pneumatic air tools?

Always multiply the tool's rated CFM by 1.25 to 1.50 (a 25% to 50% safety cushion) to prevent the compressor from running continuously and dropping line pressure. For example, if an HVLP spray gun requires 10 CFM, choose an air compressor that delivers at least 12.5 to 15 CFM @ 90 PSI.

What is the difference between LPM, CFM, and m³/h?

LPM (Liters Per Minute) is the metric standard for small to medium flow rates. CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) is the imperial standard common in the US for air compressors and HVAC fans. m³/h (Cubic Meters Per Hour) is the European industrial standard for large ventilation and blowers (1 m³/h ≈ 0.5886 CFM ≈ 16.667 LPM).

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Air & Fluid Volumetric Flow Rate Converter

Convert LPM to CFM (Liters/min to CFM)

Convert Liters Per Minute (LPM) to Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) and CFM to LPM instantly. Includes compressor sizing benchmarks, pneumatic air tool requirements, medical oxygen therapy, and HVAC ventilation metrics.

✓ 1 CFM = 28.31685 LPM✓ 1 LPM = 0.03531 CFM✓ Air Compressor Sizing✓ Pneumatic Tools & Medical Presets

Volumetric Airflow Studio

Formula: CFM = LPM ÷ 28.31685 • LPM = CFM × 28.31685

Flow Rate in Liters Per Minute (LPM)Volumetric

LPM

Quick Picks:

Mathematical Exact Baseline:1 CFM = 28.3168466 L/min

Based on exact ISO physical definitions: 1 cubic foot (0.3048 m × 0.3048 m × 0.3048 m) equals exactly 28.316846592 Liters.

Real-World Equipment & Air Tool Presets

Calculated Air Flow (Cubic Feet Per Minute)

3.531 CFM

Equivalent to 100 L/min (LPM)

Liters/Sec (L/s)1.667 L/s6,000 L/hr

Cubic Meters/Hr6 m³/h0.1 m³/min

US Gallons/Min (GPM)26.417 GPM21.997 Imperial GPM

Cubic Feet/Hr211.9 ft³/hr3.531 CFM

Step-by-Step Mathematical Output:

100 LPM ÷ 28.31685 = 3.5315 CFM

Air Compressor Sizing Recommendation

Recommended compressor delivery capacity to power tools with this air consumption.

Target Tool Air Demand3.53 CFMEqual to 100 LPM

Recommended Compressor Rating (1.25x - 1.5x)4.4 - 5.3 CFM125 - 150 LPM @ 90 PSI

Estimated Motor Size~1 HPBased on standard 3.5 - 4 CFM per Horsepower rule

LPM to CFM Quick Reference Conversion Chart

Direct conversion matrix for everyday workshop, medical, laboratory, and ventilation flow rates.

LPM (L/min)	CFM (ft³/min)	Liters/sec (L/s)	m³/hour	GPM (US)	Typical Application / Tool
1 LPM	0.0353 CFM	0.0167	0.06	0.264	Medical oxygen cannula
2 LPM	0.0706 CFM	0.0333	0.12	0.528	Pediatric / low flow therapy
5 LPM	0.1766 CFM	0.0833	0.30	1.321	Aquarium air pump / lab bubbling
10 LPM	0.3531 CFM	0.1667	0.60	2.642	High-flow oxygen / micro air tools
15 LPM	0.5297 CFM	0.2500	0.90	3.963	Emergency resuscitator mask
28.32 LPM	1.0000 CFM	0.4720	1.70	7.481	EXACT 1.0 CFM milestone
50 LPM	1.7657 CFM	0.8333	3.00	13.209	Small air nailer / CPAP machine
100 LPM	3.5315 CFM	1.6667	6.00	26.417	Air blow gun / 3/8" ratchet
141.6 LPM	5.0000 CFM	2.3600	8.50	37.403	Standard 1/2" impact wrench (5 CFM)
200 LPM	7.0629 CFM	3.3333	12.00	52.834	Plasma cutter / air drill
283.2 LPM	10.0000 CFM	4.7200	17.00	74.805	Air die grinder / cut-off tool
340 LPM	12.0070 CFM	5.6667	20.40	89.819	Automotive HVLP spray gun
425 LPM	15.0087 CFM	7.0833	25.50	112.273	Heavy sander / small sandblaster
500 LPM	17.6573 CFM	8.3333	30.00	132.086	Commercial pressure pot blaster
1000 LPM	35.3147 CFM	16.6667	60.00	264.172	Small shop industrial screw compressor
2832 LPM	100.0000 CFM	47.2000	170.00	748.052	Bathroom / ventilation exhaust fan

How to Convert LPM to CFM

LPM (Liters Per Minute) and CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) are both measures of volumetric flow rate (volume of fluid or air moving through a conduit per unit of time).

CFM = LPM ÷ 28.31685

LPM = CFM × 28.31685

Quick Mental Math: To convert CFM to LPM quickly in your head, multiply the CFM number by 28 (or multiply by 30 and subtract a small sliver). For example, a 10 CFM air tool needs approximately 10 × 28.3 = 283 LPM.

Pneumatic Tool & Compressor Sizing Rules

When sizing an air compressor for shop air tools, always follow the 1.25x - 1.50x Safety Multiplier Rule:

Intermittent Tools (Nailers, Impact Wrenches, Riveters): Require rated CFM with smaller storage tanks.
Continuous Tools (HVLP sprayers, DA sanders, die grinders, sandblasting): Require true continuous CFM output to avoid air starvation.
Horsepower Ratio: Most standard 120V/240V compressors yield about 3.5 to 4 CFM per Horsepower @ 90 PSI.