How to Convert BTU to GPM

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Things You'll Need

  • Calculator

  • Thermometer

  • BTU/Hour rating of your device

You can derive GPM from BTU/hour with a calculator.

The amount of heat exchange in a heating or refrigeration system can be expressed in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. This unit of measurement is valid when considering either the amount of thermal energy absorbed in a heating process or the amount of energy rejected in a cooling process. The BTU/Hour measurement of a device is related to the gallons per minute of liquid flow in the device, and the two units of measurement can be derived from one another with some basic arithmetic.

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Step 1

Measure the difference in temperature between the liquid inside and outside of the heat exchanger.

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Step 2

Multiply the difference by 500 if the liquid flowing through the device is water, or by 485 if it is antifreeze.

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Step 3

Determine the BTU/Hour rating of your device. It should be posted either directly on the device or in the owner's manual.

Step 4

Divide the BTU/Hour rating determined in Step 3 by your result from Step 2 in order to calculate the gallons per minute of flow in your device.

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