Flow & Pressure Converter

MachineAttachments Tools

Flow & Pressure Converter

Convert hydraulic flow and pressure units instantly and see the theoretical hydraulic power at the same time.

Flow

Converted values

Pressure

Converted values

Theoretical hydraulic power— kW— hp
P (kW) = Q (L/min) × p (bar) ÷ 600

Use these results as engineering estimates. Always check the carrier, hydraulic circuit and attachment manufacturer specifications before selecting or operating equipment.

Convert hydraulic flow and pressure without changing formulas manually

Hydraulic attachment specifications are commonly published in different units depending on the manufacturer and market. European data sheets usually use litres per minute and bar, while North American specifications often use gallons per minute and PSI. This converter lets you compare those values directly and also shows the theoretical hydraulic power represented by the selected flow and pressure.

That makes it useful when checking whether a carrier’s auxiliary hydraulic circuit is in the same range as a breaker, tiltrotator, compactor, grapple, auger, mower or other hydraulically driven attachment.

Common flow conversions

The calculator converts between L/min, L/s, m³/h, US GPM, Imperial GPM and ft³/min. Always check whether a specification uses US or Imperial gallons because the two units are not the same.

Flow affects how quickly hydraulic actuators and motors can move. Too little flow may make an attachment slow, while excessive flow can overspeed a motor or create unnecessary heat and pressure loss.

Common pressure conversions

Pressure can be converted between bar, PSI, MPa, kPa, Pa and kgf/cm². Working pressure should never be considered in isolation: an attachment may have a normal operating range, a recommended relief setting and a separate maximum pressure.

Why hydraulic power matters

Theoretical hydraulic power can be estimated from flow and pressure. In metric units, a common approximation is:

Power (kW) = Flow (L/min) × Pressure (bar) ÷ 600

The value is theoretical. The power actually available at the attachment will be lower because pumps, valves, hoses and motors introduce losses.

Useful next checks

After converting the specification, use the Hydraulic Power Calculator to include an efficiency estimate, or check Hydraulic Hose Flow Velocity if you are reviewing hose size. For attachment-specific context, browse the machine attachment guides.

Frequently asked questions

How many L/min is one US GPM?

One US gallon per minute is approximately 3.785 L/min. Imperial GPM uses a larger gallon and therefore converts differently.

Is bar the same as PSI?

No. They measure the same physical quantity but use different scales. One bar is approximately 14.5 PSI.

Does matching flow and pressure guarantee compatibility?

No. You must also check mounting, carrier size, return pressure, case drain requirements, control valves, electrical controls and any manufacturer-specific restrictions.

How to use this calculator

Use this converter when a machine, attachment or hydraulic component is specified in different unit systems. Enter a flow value and pressure value to compare common metric and imperial units and to see the theoretical hydraulic power available at that operating point.

Typical uses

  • Compare excavator auxiliary-flow specifications with an attachment datasheet.
  • Convert dealer or manufacturer data between L/min and GPM or between bar and PSI.
  • Estimate the theoretical hydraulic power available before checking efficiency and circuit losses.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert L/min to GPM?

The calculator converts the entered flow automatically. US GPM and Imperial GPM are different units, so use the correct result for the documentation you are comparing.

Is bar the same as PSI?

No. Both measure pressure, but they use different scales. The converter shows the equivalent value so specifications can be compared directly.

Is the calculated hydraulic power the power available at the tool?

No. It is theoretical hydraulic power from flow and pressure. Real output is lower because pumps, valves, hoses and the attachment itself have losses.

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