Timed volume measures outlet flow
A bucket test estimates flow by dividing collected volume by fill time. Measuring a known volume avoids relying on the bucket’s nominal size alone. Flow is expressed in U.S. gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH). The result describes the outlet and operating conditions during that test.
Measure and calculate
- Use a known collected volume in U.S. gallons.
- Time the fill in seconds under the intended outlet conditions.
- Read gallons per minute or use conversion mode to express a known GPM value as GPH.
GPM = collected U.S. gallons ÷ fill seconds × 60.
A worked example
- Inputs
- The collected volume is 5 U.S. gallons and filling takes 30 seconds.
- Calculation
5 ÷ 30 × 60 = 10 GPM. The equivalent hourly rate is 10 × 60 = 600 GPH.- Result
- 10 U.S. gal/min
The result is 10 GPM for the measured test. Available flow can differ when other outlets are open or the operating setup changes.
Interpret the result
| Output or check | What it means for your project |
|---|---|
| Measured outlet flow: GPM | The known collected U.S. gallons are divided by seconds and multiplied by 60. Use the actual volume at your timing mark. |
| Hourly equivalent: GPH | Conversion mode multiplies GPM by 60. Both values describe volume per time under the test conditions; neither measures pressure. |
FAQs
Can I use a bucket labeled five gallons without checking the fill level?
Use the volume actually collected up to your timing mark. Nominal container capacity and the tested fill volume may differ.
Does this measure pressure?
No. It measures volume per time. A pressure measurement requires a different instrument.