1. What is MPH to CFM Conversion?

The MPH to CFM conversion calculates cubic feet per minute (CFM) from miles per hour (MPH) and cross-sectional area. This is particularly useful in ventilation, HVAC systems, and airflow calculations where velocity needs to be converted to volumetric flow rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( MPH \) — Velocity in miles per hour
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area in square feet
• \( 88 \) — Conversion factor (mph to fpm × area conversion)

Explanation: The formula converts miles per hour to feet per minute (1 mph = 88 fpm) and multiplies by the cross-sectional area to get cubic feet per minute.

3. Importance of CFM Calculation

Details: CFM is a critical measurement in HVAC systems, ventilation design, industrial processes, and environmental engineering. It helps determine the volume of air moving through a system per minute, which is essential for proper system design and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in MPH and cross-sectional area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 88?
A: 1 mile = 5280 feet, 1 hour = 60 minutes, so 1 mph = 5280/60 = 88 fpm (feet per minute)

Q2: Can this calculator be used for ductwork calculations?
A: Yes, this is commonly used in HVAC for calculating airflow through ducts of known cross-sectional area.

Q3: What are typical CFM values for residential HVAC?
A: Residential systems typically range from 400-2000 CFM depending on the size of the home and system capacity.

Q4: Does this formula work for any cross-sectional shape?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct cross-sectional area measurement in square feet.

Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurements.