Compressed Air System Calculator
Static · formula-only · worked example computed when this page was built · no live data
The Compressed Air System Calculator sizes the compressor (kW/HP) and air receiver for a plant's demand, pressure, and duty cycle. Example: for a 10 m³/min plant demand at 7 barg and 60% duty, with a 1.25 design safety factor, at 88% compressor efficiency, Recommended compressor = 132 kW, Recommended compressor (HP) = 177 HP, Air receiver = 20.27 m³ (per ISO 1217 | ISO 8573-1 | ASME B31.3 | CAGI).
How it works
Computed from your inputs per ISO 1217 | ISO 8573-1 | ASME B31.3 | CAGI. Anything the worked example does not state uses this calculator's standard default; the interactive version shows every input and lets you change it.
Worked example (HVAC & Cooling)
Inputs: a 10 m³/min plant demand at 7 barg and 60% duty, with a 1.25 design safety factor, at 88% compressor efficiency.
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended compressor | 132 kW |
| Recommended compressor (HP) | 177 HP |
| Air receiver | 20.27 m³ |
Computed by WorkHive's calculation engine when this page was built; standard: ISO 1217 | ISO 8573-1 | ASME B31.3 | CAGI.
How to use this calculator
- Read the worked example. It uses a 10 m³/min plant demand at 7 barg and 60% duty, with a 1.25 design safety factor, at 88% compressor efficiency and shows every number in the method.
- Follow the formula with your own figures: it returns Recommended compressor, Recommended, Air receiver, computed per ISO 1217 | PSME Code | ASME B31.3 | CAGI.
- To compute interactively, open the Compressed Air System Calculator inside WorkHive's free Engineering Design suite (link below). It runs the same method with your inputs.
FAQ
What is a compressor sizing calculator CFM kW?
The Compressed Air System Calculator is a free online tool that sizes the compressor (kW/HP) and air receiver for a plant's demand, pressure, and duty cycle. It shows the formula and a fully worked example so you can check the method, not just the number.
How is it calculated?
The result is computed from your inputs following ISO 1217 | PSME Code | ASME B31.3 | CAGI. The worked example on this page shows a real computation with real numbers.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. WorkHive is free: this worked example is open to everyone, and the interactive calculator runs inside the free Engineering Design suite after a free sign-up (your work is saved to your account). WorkHive is a free, offline-first maintenance platform built for Philippine industrial plants.
Run it on your own numbers
Open the interactive Compressed Air System Calculator in WorkHive. Free, and a free sign-up saves your calculations, BOMs and scope-of-works to your account.