CFM to m³/h Airflow Converter
Convert fan airflow ratings between CFM, cubic meters per hour (m³/h), and liters per second. Match fan specs to your PC case, 3D printer enclosure, or workshop extraction needs.
Last updated: May 2026
Enter a value to see the conversion instantly.
How to use this airflow converter
PC case fans list specs in CFM. European ventilation equipment uses m³/h. Lab equipment might show L/s. Enter your fan rating in one unit and immediately see what it means in the others. The quick buttons cover typical PC case fans (20-50 CFM), CPU coolers (50-120 CFM), and workshop extractors (200+ CFM).
Common airflow reference values
| Application | CFM | m³/h | L/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small case fan (80mm) | 20-30 CFM | 34-51 m³/h | 9.4-14 L/s |
| Standard case fan (120mm) | 50-70 CFM | 85-119 m³/h | 24-33 L/s |
| High-performance CPU cooler | 80-120 CFM | 136-204 m³/h | 38-57 L/s |
| 3D printer enclosure fan | 30-50 CFM | 51-85 m³/h | 14-24 L/s |
| Small workshop extractor | 200-400 CFM | 340-680 m³/h | 94-189 L/s |
| Cabinet ventilation | 100-150 CFM | 170-255 m³/h | 47-71 L/s |
| Server rack cooling | 150-300 CFM | 255-510 m³/h | 71-142 L/s |
When you need this tool
You're building a Voron 3D printer enclosure. The filtration fan datasheet says 85 m³/h but the build guide minimum is 50 CFM, are they compatible? Or you're upgrading PC case fans: the new Noctua specs 68.5 CFM while your case requirements list 90 m³/h. Get airflow wrong and you either have inadequate cooling (and hotend temperature creeps up), or you've bought fans that are way overkill for the space and wasted money. European and American equipment specs mix CFM with m³/h constantly. This converter ensures you're comparing apples to apples when sizing fans and ventilation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to convert airflow units?
HVAC specs, fan datasheets and ventilation standards mix CFM with m³/h. US equipment lists CFM. European equipment and global standards use m³/h. Converting between them is essential when sizing fans, comparing equipment or reading specs from mixed-region suppliers.
What is the conversion formula?
1 CFM ≈ 1.699 m³/h. The difference is large: a 1000 CFM fan is about 1699 m³/h. This scale matters when choosing ductwork, estimating air exchange rates or sizing extraction.
Why does this conversion matter for airflow?
A fan rated at 100 CFM sized for a US build won't work the same in specs that expect m³/h. Undersizing causes inadequate cooling or ventilation. Getting the conversion right ensures proper airflow and system performance.