Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator
Tank volume for a compressed air system.
Enter your values
Enter the demand in SCFM.
Enter the time to hold in min.
Enter the max pressure in psi.
Enter the min pressure in psi.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Receiver volume
- 11.76 cu ft
- In gallons
- 88 gal
- Usable pressure band
- 25 psi
- Rule of thumb (4 gal per CFM)
- 80 gal
- Recommended
- 88 gal
Quick answer
Receiver size depends on the air drawn, the usable pressure band and how long you can wait between compressor starts.
V = T x (C - D) x Patm / (P1 - P2)
At a glance
| What it does | Tank volume for a compressed air system. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Demand, Time to hold, Max pressure, Min pressure |
| Main output | Receiver volume |
| Formula | V = T x (C - D) x Patm / (P1 - P2) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator
- 1Enter the demand the tank must cover on its own and for how long.
- 2Set the cut-in and cut-out pressures of your compressor.
- 3Round up to a standard tank size — bigger tanks reduce motor starts and wear.
Inputs explained
- Demand(SCFM)
- Enter the demand in SCFM.
- Time to hold(min)
- Enter the time to hold in min.
- Max pressure(psi)
- Enter the max pressure in psi.
- Min pressure(psi)
- Enter the min pressure in psi.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Demand20 SCFM
- Time to hold1 min
- Max pressure125 psi
- Min pressure100 psi
Results
- Receiver volume11.76 cu ft
- In gallons88 gal
- Usable pressure band25 psi
- Rule of thumb (4 gal per CFM)80 gal
- Recommended88 gal
Frequently asked questions
Wet or dry receiver?
A wet receiver before the dryer knocks out condensate; a dry receiver after it stores clean air for peaks.
Rule of thumb?
Four gallons of tank per CFM works well for reciprocating compressors.
What do I need to enter into the Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator?
Just 4 values: demand, time to hold, max pressure, min pressure. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator work out the answer?
Receiver size depends on the air drawn, the usable pressure band and how long you can wait between compressor starts. It applies the formula V = T x (C - D) x Patm / (P1 - P2) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.