A method for reducing the flow pulsations in a tandem floating cup pump having an odd number of pistons includes determining a low noise net index angle that produces reduced flow pulsations relative to those produced when the net index angle is either zero or half the separation angle and offsetting a first rotating group relative to a second rotating group by the low noise net index angle. The net index angle is the sum of a piston index angle and the port plate index angle. The piston index angle is the angle between a piston from a first rotating group and an adjacent piston from a second rotating group whereas the port plate index angle is the angle by which a first port plate is offset relative to a second port plate.