Pneumatic System Calculator
Size a pneumatic compressed air system. Calculate total CFM demand, compressor horsepower, and tank recharge time for multiple air tools.
Inputs
Results
Total CFM Required
15 CFM
Compressor Size
4 HP
≈ 3 microwaves
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Air Consumption per Tool in CFM from each tool's specification sheet — impact wrench ≈ 5–10 CFM, spray gun ≈ 8–12 CFM.
- Enter the System Pressure in psi required at the tool. Most air tools need 90 psi.
- Enter the Number of Tools that may run simultaneously.
- Set the Duty Cycle as a percentage — intermittent use ≈ 25–50%, continuous production ≈ 75–100%.
- Enter the Storage Tank Size in gallons — rule of thumb is 3–5 gallons per CFM of compressor output.
- Review Total CFM Required and Compressor Size in HP to select a compressor model, then check Tank Recharge Time to ensure adequate pressure recovery between demand peaks.
How the result changes with Air Consumption per Tool
| Air Consumption per Tool | Total CFM Required | Compressor Size |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 30 CFM | 8 HP |
| 70 | 105 CFM | 27 HP |
| 130 | 195 CFM | 49 HP |
| 180 | 270 CFM | 68 HP |
What each input means
- Air Consumption per Tool
- Average air consumption per tool in standard CFM. Impact wrench ≈ 5-10; spray gun ≈ 8-12; sandblaster ≈ 20-50.
- System Pressure
- Required operating pressure at the tool. Most air tools need 90 psi; some specialty tools need 100-150 psi.
- Number of Tools
- Total number of pneumatic tools or actuators that may run simultaneously.
- Duty Cycle
- Percentage of time each tool is actively consuming air. Intermittent use ≈ 25-50%; continuous ≈ 75-100%.
- Storage Tank Size
- Receiver tank volume. Rule of thumb: 3-5 gallons per CFM of compressor output.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersAir Consumption per Tool = 10, System Pressure = 90, Number of Tools = 3, Duty Cycle = 50 = 5 input(s) provided
- Calculate Total CFM RequiredTotal CFM Required15 = 15
- Calculate Compressor Size4 = 4
- Calculate Compressor CFM Rating18.8 = 18.8
- Calculate Tank Recharge TimeTank Recharge Time0.9 = 0.9
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