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You are here: Home / How To's / How to Calculate CFM of Air Compressor: The Ultimate Guide

How to Calculate CFM of Air Compressor: The Ultimate Guide

January 20, 2023 by silktie1 Leave a Comment

If you’re a hobby garage mechanic or DIY remodeler, then you know that one of the most important tools in your arsenal is an air compressor.

But did you know that it’s just as important to know the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of your air compressor as it is to have one?

Table of Contents:

  • What Is a Standard Size for an Air Compressor Tank
  • Why Do You Need to Know the CFM of Your Air Compressor
  • How Does Knowing the CFM Help You Choose the Right Size Air Compressor
  • What Other Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing an Air Compressor
  • FAQs in Relation to How to Calculate CFM of Air Compressor
    • What is the formula to calculate CFM?
    • How many CFM is a 7.5 HP air compressor?
    • What is the CFM on an air compressor?
    • How many CFM is a 1.5 HP air compressor?
  • Conclusion

What Is a Standard Size for an Air Compressor Tank

Most air compressor tanks range in size from 2.5 to 60 gallons, but the most common sizes are 5-10 gallons. The larger the tank, the more CFM (cubic feet per minute) it will hold, which is important for running tools that require a lot of air.

If you’re using your air compressor for light tasks like blowing up pool toys or powering small nail guns, then a smaller tank will suffice.

But if you plan on using heavier duty tools like impact wrenches or sanders, then you’ll need a larger tank with more CFM to keep up with demand.

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Why Do You Need to Know the CFM of Your Air Compressor

But did you know that the CFM, or cubic feet per minute, rating of your air compressor is an important number to keep in mind?

Here’s why:

The CFM rating determines how much air the compressor can pump into its tank in 60 seconds. This number is important because it affects how often you’ll need to refill the tank – if your CFM rating is high, then you won’t need to refill as often.

Knowing the CFM rating of your air compressor can help ensure that you choose one that best meets your needs. So next time you’re shopping for an air compressor, be sure to pay attention to this key piece of information!

Just because you have an air compressor doesn’t mean you’re a professional. Make sure you know your CFM rating! Click To Tweet

How Does Knowing the CFM Help You Choose the Right Size Air Compressor

When working with tools that require compressed air, it is important to have an understanding of how much airflow your project will need. This measurement is called CFM, or cubic feet per minute.

By knowing the CFM requirements of your project, you can choose an air compressor that will be able to provide the right amount of power.

There are a few other factors to consider when choosing an air compressor, such as PSI (pounds per square inch), duty cycle, and portability.

However, matching the correct CFM rating should be your first priority. Otherwise, you risk having a tool that doesn’t work properly or takes too long to finish the job.

To calculate the CFM needed for your project:

1) Determine What Size Tank You Need by Looking at the Required PSI and Gallons per Minute (GPM)

Most home improvement projects will not require more than a 6-gallon tank.

2) Once You Know How Big of a Tank You Need in Order to Hold Enough Compressed Air for Your Project Length, Look at Different Models’ SCFM Ratings.

The standard rule is that you want 4 times as much flow from your compressor as what’s required by your application’s demand . So if you’re going to use a 38″ impact wrench that requires 6 CFM and has a 5 gal.

Min., you’ll want to purchase an air compressor that has the ability to circulate 20 CFM every minute (4 x 5 = 20).

3) If You Have a Continuous Project, Such as an Air Sander, You Will Want to Look for a Compressor with a 100% Duty Cycle.

This means that the compressor can run continuously without overworking itself and overheating.

4) The Final Factor to Consider Is Portability.

If you plan on using your air compressor in different locations or moving it around often, choose one with wheels and handles for easy transport.

Now that you know how to calculate the CFM needed for your project and what other factors to consider when choosing an air compressor, finding the right tool for the job will be much easier.

With this knowledge , you can confidently purchase the correct size air compressor and get started on your next do-it-yourself project!

Key Takeaway: The CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating is the most important factor to consider when choosing an air compressor.

What Other Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing an Air Compressor

When choosing an air compressor, you should also consider the horsepower, duty cycle, and noise level. You should also think about what you’ll be using the air compressor for and whether you need a portable or stationary model.

FAQs in Relation to How to Calculate CFM of Air Compressor

What is the formula to calculate CFM?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the size and power of the air compressor, the type of air compressor, and the intended use for the compressed air.

However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed to estimate CFM.

To calculate CFM, first determine the volume of air that will be displaced by the compressor in a minute.

This can be done by multiplying the bore diameter of the cylinder (in inches) by the stroke length (in inches), and then multiplying that number by the RPM rating of the compressor.

Once you have this number, divide it by 1728 to get your answer in cubic feet per minute. For example, let’s say you have a small air compressor with a 3-inch bore and 4-inch stroke running at 1000 RPM.

To calculate CFM, we would multiply 3 x 4 to get 12, then multiply 12 x 1000 to get 12000. Dividing 12000 by 1728 gives us 6.944444 CFM.

How many CFM is a 7.5 HP air compressor?

A standard 7.5 HP air compressor produces around 20 CFM of airflow. However, this can vary somewhat depending on the model and make of the compressor.

Generally speaking, a 7.5 HP air compressor will be able to provide enough power for most applications that require an air compressor.

What is the CFM on an air compressor?

The CFM on an air compressor is the volume of air that the compressor can deliver per minute. The actual amount of CFM will vary depending on factors such as tank size, motor horsepower, and pressure settings.

However, a typical home garage air compressor will have a CFM between 4 and 6.

How many CFM is a 1.5 HP air compressor?

A 1.5 HP air compressor typically produces about 4 CFM of airflow. However, this can vary depending on the model and brand of compressor.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to calculate the CFM of an air compressor, as well as what size tank is standard, and why it’s important to know the CFM, you can be sure to choose the right sized air compressor for your needs.

There are other factors to consider when choosing an air compressor such as PSI and horsepower but now, at least armed with this knowledge, you can make a more informed decision on which one will work best for you.

If you’re looking for information on buying, owning, and using an air compressor, Air Compressor Total is the place to go. We offer a wide range of services pertaining to air compressors, including advice on which one to buy based on your needs, how to properly maintain it, and troubleshooting tips in case something goes wrong. No matter what your level of expertise is with air compressors, we can help you get the most out of your purchase.

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