How to Determine GPM in Hot Water Coils

How to Move a Heat Pump
Published: Feb 14, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Determine the BUTH of your coil, or British thermal units per hour (BTU/hr). This is the amount of energy that is either transferred to or from the fluid in the coil.This information is usually provided by the manufacturer of the unit.

Step 2

Calculate the leaving water temperature, or LWT, and entering water temperature, or EWT. This can be measured using the coil itself. The entering water temperature is measured from the coil marked "water in" and the leaving water temperature is measured from the coil marked "water out." If you know the temperature difference (TD), this can also be used in your final equation.

Step 3

Put your numbers into this simple equation: GPM = Q / 500 * (LWT - EWT). So, subtract the EWT from the LWT, or use the TD, which is the same number. Multiply by 500. Q is your BUTH. Divide Q by the result of your earlier calculation. This is the GPM.

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Rochelle Leggett

Rochelle Leggett has bachelor's degrees in biopsychology and English and a Master of Library and Information Science. She has been writing for over 15 years and was first published in 2000. She has been employed in academic settings as a…

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