Salon & Nail Bar Ventilation Calculator
Source-capture and dilution exhaust for a nail salon.
Enter your values
Enter the number of stations you are working with.
Enter the source capture per station in CFM.
Enter the dilution allowance per station 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.
- Total exhaust airflow
- 600 CFM
- Source capture total
- 400 CFM
- General dilution total
- 200 CFM
- Makeup air (90%)
- 540 CFM
Quick answer
Nail salons should combine source-capture exhaust at each station with dilution ventilation of about 25-30 CFM per station.
CFM = stations x (source capture + dilution rate)
At a glance
| What it does | Source-capture and dilution exhaust for a nail salon. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Number of stations, Source capture per station, Dilution allowance per station |
| Main output | Total exhaust airflow |
| Formula | CFM = stations x (source capture + dilution rate) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Salon & Nail Bar Ventilation Calculator
- 1Count the number of manicure/pedicure stations.
- 2Provide dedicated source-capture exhaust at each station for acrylic and solvent fumes.
- 3Add general dilution ventilation and balance with matched makeup air.
Inputs explained
- Number of stations
- Enter the number of stations you are working with.
- Source capture per station(CFM)
- Enter the source capture per station in CFM.
- Dilution allowance per station(CFM)
- Enter the dilution allowance per station in CFM.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Number of stations8
- Source capture per station50 CFM
- Dilution allowance per station25 CFM
Results
- Total exhaust airflow600 CFM
- Source capture total400 CFM
- General dilution total200 CFM
- Makeup air (90%)540 CFM
Frequently asked questions
Why is source capture so important?
It removes concentrated VOC fumes right at the point of generation before they spread through the room.
Do I need makeup air?
Yes — without it, exhaust fans will struggle and the salon will feel drafty from door infiltration.
What do I need to enter into the Salon & Nail Bar Ventilation Calculator?
Just 3 values: number of stations, source capture per station, dilution allowance per station. 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 Salon & Nail Bar Ventilation Calculator work out the answer?
Nail salons should combine source-capture exhaust at each station with dilution ventilation of about 25-30 CFM per station. It applies the formula CFM = stations x (source capture + dilution rate) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Salon & Nail Bar Ventilation 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.