Pulse Flowmeter K-Factor (Frequency to Flow)
The flow rate a pulse-output flowmeter (turbine, paddlewheel, or positive-displacement) reports from its output frequency: the meter emits a fixed K-factor of pulses per gallon (stamped on the meter or its calibration cert), so rate = frequency (Hz = pulses/sec) x 60 / K-factor, and the totalized volume is the pulse count / K-factor. A 200 pulse/gal meter reading 100 Hz is 30 gpm; a coarser 100 pulse/gal meter at the same 100 Hz is 60 gpm (each pulse is worth twice the volume). The K-factor drifts with fluid viscosity and shifts below the meter's linear range, so a viscous fluid or near-zero flow reads off; some meters are rated in pulses per liter or per cubic foot (convert first). Linear frequency-to-rate scaling; the calibration certificate, the linear flow range, and the fluid govern.
Formula and source
flow_gpm = frequency_hz x 60 / k_factor_pulses_per_gal; totalized volume (gal) = pulse_count / k_factor. flow_gph = flow_gpm x 60.
Pulse-output flowmeter (turbine / paddlewheel / positive-displacement) K-factor frequency-to-rate scaling, by name; the meter's calibration certificate and linear flow range govern.
Audience
This tile is built for trades and the adjacent professions in the Electrical group. The interactive calculator runs entirely in your browser. No account, no fee, no advertising, no tracking.
Related tools
Posture
Rough Logic answers the math question the working professional asks on the job. The site is a calm, fast, ad-free, account-free, ever-free reference. It does not interpret code. It does not replace the licensed professional. It does not store your inputs. The Authority Having Jurisdiction governs all installations and inspections.