gpm

Units & Measurements abbreviation · Engineering Unit

gpm stands for Gallons per minute, an engineering unit abbreviation.

Flow rate in US gallons per minute, used for pumps, well yields, plumbing fixtures, irrigation and fire hoses. Federal standards cap new showerheads at 2.5 gpm, and several states set 1.8 to 2.0 gpm limits.

Example: The well tested at 8 gpm, plenty for a three-bathroom house.

Usage notes

WaterSense-labeled showerheads use 2.0 gpm or less and bathroom faucets 1.5 gpm or less. Fire engines are rated by pump capacity, commonly 1,250 to 2,000 gpm. One gpm is about 3.785 liters per minute.

Related abbreviations

More engineering unit abbreviations

• ft-lb – Foot-pound
• g – Standard gravity (g-force)
• ga – Gauge
• GHz – Gigahertz
• GPa – Gigapascal
• gph – Gallons per hour
• GW – Gigawatt
• GWh – Gigawatt-hour
• hp – Horsepower
• hPa – Hectopascal
• HRC – Rockwell hardness C (scale)
• Hz – Hertz

See all 103 engineering unit abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.