Church HVAC Load Calculator
Cooling airflow for a church sanctuary by capacity.
Enter your values
Enter the seating capacity you are working with.
Enter the cfm per person in CFM.
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.
- Peak supply airflow
- 5,600 CFM
- Implied cooling tons
- 14
- Outdoor air at 5 CFM/person
- 2,000 CFM
Quick answer
Church sanctuaries are commonly sized around 12-16 CFM per seated occupant, factoring in the intermittent full-capacity use pattern.
CFM = capacity x CFM per person
At a glance
| What it does | Cooling airflow for a church sanctuary by capacity. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Seating capacity, CFM per person |
| Main output | Peak supply airflow |
| Formula | CFM = capacity x CFM per person |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Church HVAC Load Calculator
- 1Use the sanctuary's full seating capacity, not average attendance.
- 2Apply 12-16 CFM per person for peak-service sizing.
- 3Consider zoning so overflow or fellowship halls are cooled independently.
Inputs explained
- Seating capacity
- Enter the seating capacity you are working with.
- CFM per person(CFM)
- Enter the cfm per person in CFM.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Seating capacity400
- CFM per person14 CFM
Results
- Peak supply airflow5,600 CFM
- Implied cooling tons14
- Outdoor air at 5 CFM/person2,000 CFM
Frequently asked questions
Should I size for average or peak attendance?
Peak — holidays and special events will otherwise leave the space uncomfortably warm.
Can this run part-time?
Yes, most sanctuaries only need full airflow during services and can idle at reduced rate otherwise.
What do I need to enter into the Church HVAC Load Calculator?
Just 2 values: seating capacity, cfm per person. 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 Church HVAC Load Calculator work out the answer?
Church sanctuaries are commonly sized around 12-16 CFM per seated occupant, factoring in the intermittent full-capacity use pattern. It applies the formula CFM = capacity x CFM per person and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Church HVAC Load 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.