Air Flow Rate Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the air flow rate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Required Airflow

cfm = room_volume * ach / 60

Room Volume

volume = room_volume

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
room_lengthRoom Length(ft)20
room_widthRoom Width(ft)15
ceiling_heightCeiling Height(ft)8
achAir Changes per Hour(ACH)6
room_volumeDerived value= room_length * room_width * ceiling_heightcalculated

How It Works

Air Flow Rate (CFM)

CFM = Room Volume x ACH / 60

ACH (Air Changes per Hour) is how many times the entire room volume is replaced with fresh or conditioned air in one hour. Divide by 60 to convert from cubic feet per hour to cubic feet per minute.

Worked Example

20 x 15 ft room with 8-ft ceilings at 6 ACH.

room_length = 20room_width = 15ceiling_height = 8ach = 6
  1. 01Volume = 20 x 15 x 8 = 2,400 cu ft
  2. 02CFM = 2,400 x 6 / 60 = 240 CFM

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Air Flow Rate Calculator