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Convert Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second

Instantly convert Cubic meters per second (m³/s) to Cubic feet per second (ft³/s) with our free online calculator.

Reviewed by Christopher FloiedUpdated

Formula: m³/s to ft³/smultiply by 35.3147

Reference Table

Cubic meters per second (m³/s)Cubic feet per second (ft³/s)
135.3147
5176.574
10353.147
25882.868
501765.74
1003531.47

How to Convert Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second

Formula

To convert Cubic meters per second (m³/s) to Cubic feet per second (ft³/s): multiply by 35.3147

Step-by-Step

  1. Start with your value in Cubic meters per second (m³/s).
  2. Multiply by 35.3147 to perform the conversion.
  3. The result is your value expressed in Cubic feet per second (ft³/s).

Conversion Factor

1 m³/s = 35.3147 ft³/s

Reverse Factor

1 ft³/s = 0.0283168 m³/s

Worked Example

Convert 25 Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second: 25 m³/s = 882.868 ft³/s

About Cubic meter per second (m³/s)

The SI unit of volumetric flow rate (ISO 80000-4 §4-30) — the volume of fluid passing a fixed cross-section per unit time. m³/s is the universal unit in fluid-dynamics research (Reynolds and Navier-Stokes work), large-pipeline engineering (offshore oil-export risers, district-energy distribution mains), river and flood hydrology (where it is conventionally called the "cumec" — for "cubic meter per second" — in technical writing), large-scale wastewater treatment, and industrial process flow simulation (Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD, OLGA). Reference scale: the Amazon River average discharge is ~209,000 m³/s, the Mississippi ~16,800 m³/s, a major dam spillway flood release ~5,000-15,000 m³/s. Most practical applications use smaller units (L/s, m³/hr, GPM) because m³/s values are typically very small for human-scale equipment — a household faucet is ~0.0002 m³/s. Converting to gallons per minute (US): multiply by 15,850. Converting to L/s: multiply by 1,000.

About Cubic foot per second (ft³/s)

An imperial flow-rate unit used predominantly in US hydrology, river-discharge measurement, water-resource engineering, and large-scale waterworks design. Also called "cfs" or the colloquial "cusec" in US water-resources jargon. The US Geological Survey (USGS) StreamStats and the National Water Information System publish all US river streamgage data in cfs — a federal reporting standard since the 1950s. US Army Corps of Engineers flood-routing analyses, FEMA flood-insurance studies, and state water-rights records (especially in the western US under prior-appropriation doctrine) all measure discharge in cfs. Reference values: a small headwater stream might flow 5-20 cfs at base flow and 200-500 cfs during a 100-year storm; the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam is typically 8,000-25,000 cfs; the lower Mississippi runs 350,000-600,000 cfs depending on the season. 1 ft³/s = 7.4805 US gallons per second = 449 GPM = 28.32 L/s = 0.02832 m³/s.

Quick Facts

  • 1 Cubic meter per second equals 35.3147 Cubic feet per second
  • 1 Cubic foot per second equals 0.0283168 Cubic meters per second
  • Cubic meter per second is a unit of volumetric flow rate
  • Cubic foot per second is a unit of volumetric flow rate
  • This conversion is commonly used in plumbing, HVAC systems, and chemical process engineering
  • The Cubic meter per second belongs to the metric system
  • The Cubic foot per second belongs to the imperial system

Common Cubic meter per second to Cubic foot per second Conversions

Cubic meters per second (m³/s)Cubic feet per second (ft³/s)
0.010.353147
0.13.53147
0.258.82868
0.517.6574
135.3147
270.6294
3105.944
5176.574
10353.147
15529.721
20706.294
25882.868
501765.74
752648.6
1003531.47
2508828.68
50017657.4
100035314.7
5000176574
10000353147

Understanding Cubic meters per second

The Cubic meter per second (symbol: m³/s) is a unit of volumetric flow rate. The SI unit of volumetric flow rate (ISO 80000-4 §4-30) — the volume of fluid passing a fixed cross-section per unit time. m³/s is the universal unit in fluid-dynamics research (Reynolds and Navier-Stokes work), large-pipeline engineering (offshore oil-export risers, district-energy distribution mains), river and flood hydrology (where it is conventionally called the "cumec" — for "cubic meter per second" — in technical writing), large-scale wastewater treatment, and industrial process flow simulation (Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD, OLGA). Reference scale: the Amazon River average discharge is ~209,000 m³/s, the Mississippi ~16,800 m³/s, a major dam spillway flood release ~5,000-15,000 m³/s. Most practical applications use smaller units (L/s, m³/hr, GPM) because m³/s values are typically very small for human-scale equipment — a household faucet is ~0.0002 m³/s. Converting to gallons per minute (US): multiply by 15,850. Converting to L/s: multiply by 1,000.

It belongs to the metric measurement system.

Cubic meters per second are commonly used in plumbing, HVAC systems, and chemical process engineering.

Understanding Cubic feet per second

The Cubic foot per second (symbol: ft³/s) is a unit of volumetric flow rate. An imperial flow-rate unit used predominantly in US hydrology, river-discharge measurement, water-resource engineering, and large-scale waterworks design. Also called "cfs" or the colloquial "cusec" in US water-resources jargon. The US Geological Survey (USGS) StreamStats and the National Water Information System publish all US river streamgage data in cfs — a federal reporting standard since the 1950s. US Army Corps of Engineers flood-routing analyses, FEMA flood-insurance studies, and state water-rights records (especially in the western US under prior-appropriation doctrine) all measure discharge in cfs. Reference values: a small headwater stream might flow 5-20 cfs at base flow and 200-500 cfs during a 100-year storm; the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam is typically 8,000-25,000 cfs; the lower Mississippi runs 350,000-600,000 cfs depending on the season. 1 ft³/s = 7.4805 US gallons per second = 449 GPM = 28.32 L/s = 0.02832 m³/s.

It belongs to the imperial measurement system.

Cubic feet per second are commonly used in plumbing, HVAC systems, and chemical process engineering.

Why Convert Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second?

Converting between Cubic meters per second and Cubic feet per second is a frequent requirement for engineers, scientists, and students working with volumetric flow rate values. Different industries and regions favour different unit systems, so having a dependable conversion tool saves time and prevents errors in technical calculations. Whether you are verifying a specification sheet, cross-checking simulation results, or preparing a report for an international audience, accurate volumetric flow rate conversion is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second?

The SI unit of volumetric flow rate (ISO 80000-4 §4-30) — the volume of fluid passing a fixed cross-section per unit time. To convert Cubic meters per second to Cubic feet per second, multiply by 35.3147. For example, 25 m³/s equals 882.868 ft³/s.

How many Cubic feet per second are in 1 Cubic meter per second?

There are 35.3147 Cubic feet per second in 1 Cubic meter per second.

How many Cubic meters per second are in 1 Cubic foot per second?

There are 0.0283168 Cubic meters per second in 1 Cubic foot per second.

What is the formula for Cubic meter per second to Cubic foot per second conversion?

The formula is: multiply by 35.3147. This means 1 m³/s = 35.3147 ft³/s.

Is a Cubic meter per second bigger than a Cubic foot per second?

No. One Cubic meter per second is smaller than one Cubic foot per second because 1 m³/s equals 35.3147 ft³/s, which is greater than 1.

When do you need to convert between Cubic meters per second and Cubic feet per second?

An imperial flow-rate unit used predominantly in US hydrology, river-discharge measurement, water-resource engineering, and large-scale waterworks design. Cubic meter per second and Cubic foot per second are both volumetric flow units, so conversion comes up whenever one source of information uses one unit and another uses the other — a classic cross-reference challenge in engineering, trade, travel, and everyday life.

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