What Is Cubic Inch Per Minute (in³/min)?
A cubic inch per minute measures how many cubic inches of fluid pass a point each minute. It is a common unit in small‑scale hydraulics, automotive fuel‑flow charts, and laboratory dosing equipment.
What Is Quart Per Second (qt/s)?
A quart per second expresses the volume of liquid that moves each second, using the US liquid quart (≈ 57.75 in³). This unit appears in high‑speed pump specifications, spray‑nozzle calculations, and industrial cooling‑system design.
Conversion Factor Between in³/min and qt/s
The exact relationship is:
- 1 in³ / min = 0.0002885 qt/s
- Conversely, 1 qt/s = 3,465 in³ / min
These numbers come from two facts: 1 qt = 57.75 in³ and 1 min = 60 s. Multiplying them gives 57.75 × 60 = 3,465 in³ / min per quart per second.
Formula
To convert from cubic inches per minute to quarts per second, divide by 3,465:
qt/s = (in³/min) ÷ 3,465
Worked Example
Suppose a small pump delivers 120 in³/min. Applying the formula:
- Divide 120 by 3,465.
- 120 ÷ 3,465 ≈ 0.03463 qt/s.
The pump’s flow rate is therefore about 0.0346 qt/s. This quick calculation helps engineers compare the pump to a device rated in quarts per second without needing a separate conversion tool.
Practical Applications of the in³/min ↔ qt/s Conversion
- Choosing the right spray nozzle for automotive paint booths, where manufacturers list flow in qt/s but the system’s pump is rated in in³/min.
- Designing laboratory dispensers that specify dosing speed in in³/min while the reagent container capacity is given in quarts.
- Comparing cooling‑water pumps for small‑scale CNC machines, which often use in³/min, against vendor data sheets that list performance in qt/s.
- Verifying that a kitchen‑scale liquid‑transfer system meets food‑service standards that reference quarts per second.
Cubic Inch Per Minute to Quart Per Second Conversion Table
Each row applies the same rule: divide the cubic inches per minute value by 3,465 to obtain quarts per second (rounded to four significant figures).
| Cubic Inch Per Minute (in³/min) | Quart Per Second (qt/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 in³/min | 0.0002885 qt/s |
| 2 in³/min | 0.0005769 qt/s |
| 5 in³/min | 0.001442 qt/s |
| 10 in³/min | 0.002885 qt/s |
| 20 in³/min | 0.005769 qt/s |
| 50 in³/min | 0.01442 qt/s |
| 100 in³/min | 0.02885 qt/s |
| 500 in³/min | 0.1442 qt/s |
Key Takeaway
Converting between cubic inches per minute and quarts per second is a simple division by 3,465. Keep the factor handy, and you can instantly compare small‑scale flow specifications with larger‑scale equipment ratings.
Ready to apply the conversion to your own project? Plug the factor into your calculations and see the results in seconds, not minutes.