How to Calculate Flow Volume
- 1). Determine the units of flow volume. If you know the flow rate in gallons per second, it is logical to measure the flow volume in gallons as well. Ensure the units of time for the flow rate and the duration of the flow are identical. For example, if flow rate is in gallons per second, and time is in minutes, convert the minutes to seconds before making the flow volume calculations.
- 2). Find the flow volume using the formula flow volume = flow rate * time. For example, a pipe delivering 20 gallons per minute, discharging for 5 minutes, has a flow volume of 5 * 20, or 100 gallons.
- 3). Check for errors by dividing the flow volume by the flow rate. If the answer does not equal the discharge time, there was an error. Check and then repeat the calculations.
