Retail HVAC Load Calculator
Supply airflow for a retail sales floor.
Enter your values
Enter the sales floor area in sq ft.
Choose one of: Low traffic, Average, High traffic / big box.
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
- 6,000 CFM
- Implied cooling tons
- 15
- Outdoor air at 7.5 CFM/1000sqft occupant basis
- 300 CFM min
Quick answer
Retail sales floors are typically sized around 1-1.5 CFM per square foot, adjusted for occupant density and display lighting heat.
CFM = area x rate
At a glance
| What it does | Supply airflow for a retail sales floor. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Sales floor area, Customer density |
| Main output | Supply airflow |
| Formula | CFM = area x rate |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Retail HVAC Load Calculator
- 1Measure the sales floor area, excluding stockrooms.
- 2Estimate customer traffic density.
- 3Add extra allowance for entry vestibules and high-lighting display zones.
Inputs explained
- Sales floor area(sq ft)
- Enter the sales floor area in sq ft.
- Customer density
- Choose one of: Low traffic, Average, High traffic / big box.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Sales floor area5000 sq ft
- Customer densityAverage
Results
- Supply airflow6,000 CFM
- Implied cooling tons15
- Outdoor air at 7.5 CFM/1000sqft occupant basis300 CFM min
Frequently asked questions
Does lighting matter?
Yes — LED retrofits have lowered retail cooling loads significantly versus older halogen and metal halide fixtures.
Fitting rooms?
Treat fitting room areas like small offices with their own supply and return.
What do I need to enter into the Retail HVAC Load Calculator?
Just 2 values: sales floor area, customer density. 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 Retail HVAC Load Calculator work out the answer?
Retail sales floors are typically sized around 1-1.5 CFM per square foot, adjusted for occupant density and display lighting heat. It applies the formula CFM = area x rate and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Retail 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.