Home Back

Air Flow Rate Calculator

CFM Formula:

\[ CFM = Area (ft²) \times Velocity (fpm) \]

ft²
fpm

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is CFM?

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is a measurement of air flow rate, indicating the volume of air that flows through a given space in one minute. It is commonly used in HVAC systems, ventilation, and industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the CFM formula:

\[ CFM = Area (ft²) \times Velocity (fpm) \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of air moving through a duct or opening by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the air velocity.

3. Importance of CFM Calculation

Details: Accurate CFM calculation is essential for proper HVAC system design, ventilation requirements, industrial process control, and ensuring adequate air quality in enclosed spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter area in square feet (ft²) and velocity in feet per minute (fpm). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical CFM range for residential HVAC?
A: Residential systems typically range from 400-2000 CFM depending on the size of the home and system capacity.

Q2: How do I measure air velocity?
A: Air velocity can be measured using an anemometer, which directly reads air speed in fpm or other velocity units.

Q3: What factors affect CFM requirements?
A: Room size, occupancy, heat load, ventilation standards, and specific application requirements all influence CFM needs.

Q4: Can CFM be converted to other units?
A: Yes, CFM can be converted to cubic meters per hour (m³/h) by multiplying by 1.699, or liters per second (L/s) by multiplying by 0.4719.

Q5: Why is proper CFM important in ventilation?
A: Proper CFM ensures adequate air exchange, removes contaminants, maintains comfort, and meets building code requirements for indoor air quality.

Air Flow Rate Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025