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CFM calculator

Convert a room volume and selected air-change rate into nominal airflow. The selected ACH is a design input, not a recommendation.

Calculator

Nominal airflow
300
Nominal airflow (ft^3/min, CFM)
176.5733
Air changes per hour
6.0000
Room volume
50

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How this calculator works

Air changes per hour relates volumetric airflow to room volume. It is a nominal mixing measure; an air change does not mean all contaminants have left the room. Fan selection also depends on duct pressure loss, outdoor-air requirements and the process being ventilated. Volume mode solves a compatible room volume regardless of the geometry fields.

Formula

Q_m3/h = room volume x ACH; Q_m3/s = volume x ACH / 3600; CFM = Q_m3/s x 60 / 0.028316846592; ACH = 3600Q_m3/s / volume.

Worked example

A 5 x 4 x 2.5 m room has 50 m^3 volume. At 6 ACH the nominal flow is 300 m^3/h, 83.3333 L/s or 176.5733 CFM.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this a heating or cooling load calculation?

No. It calculates a volume exchange rate, without heat gains, humidity or temperature differences.

Can I use measured airflow?

Yes. ACH mode divides the supplied flow by the room volume.

Does CFM mean imperial gallons?

No. CFM means cubic feet per minute, using the international foot.

Sources

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