Shop Dust Collector Sizing Calculator
Collector CFM for a woodshop machine list.
Enter your values
Enter the table saw in CFM.
Enter the planer / jointer in CFM.
Enter the sander in CFM.
Enter the machines running at once you are working with.
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.
- Required airflow
- 600 CFM
- Main duct at 4000 FPM
- 5.2 in dia
- Branch at 4000 FPM
- 5.2 in dia
- Collector to buy
- 750 CFM rated
- Filter area at 12:1
- 50 sq ft
Quick answer
Dust collectors are sized on the highest single machine demand, or the sum if several run at once.
CFM = largest machine demand (or sum of simultaneous)
At a glance
| What it does | Collector CFM for a woodshop machine list. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Table saw, Planer / jointer, Sander, Machines running at once |
| Main output | Required airflow |
| Formula | CFM = largest machine demand (or sum of simultaneous) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Shop Dust Collector Sizing Calculator
- 1Enter each machine's port CFM requirement.
- 2Set how many machines run at once — usually one in a one-person shop.
- 3Buy a collector rated well above the number, since ratings are usually free-air.
Inputs explained
- Table saw(CFM)
- Enter the table saw in CFM.
- Planer / jointer(CFM)
- Enter the planer / jointer in CFM.
- Sander(CFM)
- Enter the sander in CFM.
- Machines running at once
- Enter the machines running at once you are working with.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Table saw400 CFM
- Planer / jointer600 CFM
- Sander550 CFM
- Machines running at once1
Results
- Required airflow600 CFM
- Main duct at 4000 FPM5.2 in dia
- Branch at 4000 FPM5.2 in dia
- Collector to buy750 CFM rated
- Filter area at 12:150 sq ft
Frequently asked questions
Why 4,000 FPM?
Below about 3,500 FPM heavy chips drop out and clog horizontal duct runs.
Blast gates?
Keeping all but the active gate closed is what lets a single collector serve a whole shop.
What do I need to enter into the Shop Dust Collector Sizing Calculator?
Just 4 values: table saw, planer / jointer, sander, machines running at once. 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 Shop Dust Collector Sizing Calculator work out the answer?
Dust collectors are sized on the highest single machine demand, or the sum if several run at once. It applies the formula CFM = largest machine demand (or sum of simultaneous) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Shop Dust Collector Sizing 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.