Enter the flow value and select the conversion direction to convert between cubic meters per hour (m³/h) and cubic feet per minute (CFM), or enter a CFM value to convert it back to m³/h.

m3/h to CFM Converter

Enter a flow value and choose the conversion direction.

Conversion factor: 1 m³/h ≈ 0.5886 CFM

m3/h to CFM Formula

The following formulas are used to convert airflow between cubic meters per hour and cubic feet per minute.

CFM = (m^3/h) \times 0.5886
m^3/h = CFM \div 0.5886

Variables:

  • CFM is the airflow in cubic feet per minute
  • m³/h is the airflow in cubic meters per hour
  • 0.5886 is the conversion factor from m³/h to CFM

To convert m³/h to CFM, multiply the airflow by 0.5886. To convert CFM to m³/h, divide the airflow by 0.5886.

What is m3/h to CFM?

m³/h and CFM are both units used to measure volumetric airflow. Cubic meters per hour (m³/h) is common in metric engineering, ventilation, and international specifications, while cubic feet per minute (CFM) is widely used in HVAC, fans, duct sizing, and North American equipment ratings. Converting between them helps compare airflow ratings across different systems and standards.

The conversion accounts for both the difference in volume units and the difference in time units. Since 1 cubic meter equals 35.3147 cubic feet and 1 hour equals 60 minutes, 1 m³/h is approximately equal to 0.5886 CFM.

How to Calculate m3/h to CFM?

The following steps outline how to convert m³/h to CFM.


  1. First, determine the airflow in cubic meters per hour (m³/h).
  2. Next, multiply that value by 0.5886.
  3. The result is the airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
  4. If converting the other way, divide the CFM value by 0.5886 to find m³/h.
  5. After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the converter above.

Example Problem:

Use the following example values to test your understanding of the conversion.

Flow Rate = 1000 m³/h

CFM = 1000 × 0.5886 = 588.6 CFM

m3/h to CFM Conversion Table

The table below lists common example conversions from m³/h to CFM using the approximation 1 m³/h ≈ 0.5886 CFM.

Flow in m³/hFlow in CFM (Approx.)Comment
50 m³/h29.43 CFMLow extraction or make-up air rate
100 m³/h58.86 CFMTypical for a small room exhaust fan
250 m³/h147.15 CFMModerate residential ventilation flow
500 m³/h294.30 CFMSmall air handling unit or fan coil
1000 m³/h588.60 CFMLarger residential or light commercial flow
2000 m³/h1177.20 CFMTypical for a small air handling system
5000 m³/h2943.00 CFMLarge commercial or industrial air volume

In practice, airflow may be listed in either m³/h or CFM depending on the manufacturer, country, or engineering standard being used. Knowing the conversion factor allows you to compare specifications quickly and accurately.