Intercooler Sizing Calculator

Intercooler efficiency from charge air temp and flow rate.

Boost pressure (PSI)

Ambient temp (°F)

Compressor efficiency (%)

Intercooler efficiency (%)

Airflow (CFM)

Type (0=air-air, 1=air-water)

Tab to move between fields

IC outlet temp (°F)

180

Temp reduction (°F)

301

Compressor outlet (°F)481

Density gain (%)47

Est. power gain (%)47

Heat rejection (BTU/hr)32,641

Core volume (in³)90

Mass flow (lb/min)7.53

Core Depth (in)4.93

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Boost pressure (PSI), Ambient temp (°F), and Compressor efficiency (%).
Set Intercooler efficiency (%), Airflow (CFM), and Type (0=air-air, 1=air-water).
Review IC outlet temp (°F) and Temp reduction (°F).
Use Compressor outlet (°F) and Density gain (%) to inform your decision.

How the result changes with Intercooler efficiency (%)

Boost pressure (PSI): Turbo/supercharger boost pressure in PSI gauge.
Ambient temp (°F): Outside air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Compressor efficiency (%): Turbo compressor adiabatic efficiency (typically 65-78%).
Intercooler efficiency (%): Desired intercooler effectiveness: 60-70% stock, 75-85% good aftermarket, 85-95% top-tier.
Airflow (CFM): Compressor airflow in cubic feet per minute at target boost and RPM.
Type (0=air-air, 1=air-water): Air-to-air (front-mount) or air-to-water intercooler.

Compressor outlet (°F): Hot compressed air temperature entering the intercooler.
IC outlet temp (°F): Charge air temperature after the intercooler.
Temp reduction (°F): Temperature drop across the intercooler.
Density gain (%): Percentage increase in air density from intercooling.
Est. power gain (%): Approximate power improvement from denser intake charge.
Heat rejection (BTU/hr): Total heat the intercooler must dissipate.
Core volume (in³): Recommended minimum intercooler core volume.
Mass flow (lb/min): Air mass flow rate through the intercooler.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Boost pressure (PSI) = 15, Ambient temp (°F) = 80, Compressor efficiency (%) = 70, Intercooler efficiency (%) = 75 = 6 input(s) provided
Calculate IC outlet temp
IC outlet temp = compressorOutletTempF - targetIcEfficiency * (compressorOutletTempF - coldSid...
180 = 180
Calculate Temp reduction
Temp reduction = compressorOutletTempF - icOutletTempF
301 = 301
Calculate Compressor outlet
Compressor outlet = (ambientRankine * pow(pressureRatio, 0.283)) / compressorEfficiency - 460
481 = 481
Calculate Density gain
Density gain = ((compressorOutletTempF + 460) / (icOutletTempF + 460) - 1) * 100
47 = 47