Litres per second and minute conversions

Core idea

There are 60 seconds in one minute. Convert litres per second to litres per minute by multiplying by 60. Convert litres per minute to litres per second by dividing by 60. Keep flow rate separate from the total volume collected.

What to recognise

• 0.2 L/s equals 12 L/min.
• 18 L/min equals 0.3 L/s.
• Volume equals flow rate multiplied by time when the flow is steady.
• Convert time into the unit used by the flow rate before multiplying.
• Use a measured collection time long enough to reduce timing error where practical.

Apply it

If a vessel collects 10 litres in 40 seconds, flow is 10 ÷ 40 = 0.25 L/s, then 0.25 × 60 = 15 L/min. Sense-check by asking whether 15 litres in a full minute agrees with 10 litres in two-thirds of a minute.

Keep the boundary clear

Real flow can change with pressure, valve position and simultaneous demand. A unit conversion does not establish pipe capacity or regulatory compliance. State whether a figure is measured, design or required flow and use the correct conditions for comparison.