Cooling Load Tons to CFM Calculator
Convert refrigeration tons directly into supply air CFM.
Enter your values
Enter the cooling load in tons.
Enter the cfm per ton in CFM/ton.
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.
- Supply airflow
- 4,000 CFM
- Equivalent BTU/hr
- 120,000
- Equivalent kW
- 35.2
Quick answer
A common rule of thumb converts cooling load to airflow using about 400 CFM per ton of refrigeration for comfort cooling.
CFM = tons x CFM per ton
At a glance
| What it does | Convert refrigeration tons directly into supply air CFM. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Cooling load, CFM per ton |
| Main output | Supply airflow |
| Formula | CFM = tons x CFM per ton |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Cooling Load Tons to CFM Calculator
- 1Enter the cooling load in tons of refrigeration.
- 2Choose the CFM-per-ton factor — 400 is standard comfort cooling, lower for high-dehumidification applications.
- 3Multiply to get the equivalent supply airflow.
Inputs explained
- Cooling load(tons)
- Enter the cooling load in tons.
- CFM per ton(CFM/ton)
- Enter the cfm per ton in CFM/ton.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Cooling load10 tons
- CFM per ton400 CFM/ton
Results
- Supply airflow4,000 CFM
- Equivalent BTU/hr120,000
- Equivalent kW35.2
Frequently asked questions
Why 400 CFM per ton?
It results in roughly a 20F temperature drop across the coil for typical comfort-cooling sensible heat ratios.
When would I use a lower factor?
High-latent-load or dehumidification-focused systems often use 300-350 CFM per ton for deeper dehumidification.
What do I need to enter into the Cooling Load Tons to CFM Calculator?
Just 2 values: cooling load, cfm per ton. 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 Cooling Load Tons to CFM Calculator work out the answer?
A common rule of thumb converts cooling load to airflow using about 400 CFM per ton of refrigeration for comfort cooling. It applies the formula CFM = tons x CFM per ton and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Cooling Load Tons to CFM 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.