Theatre HVAC Load Calculator
Cooling airflow for a theatre or auditorium by occupancy.
Enter your values
Enter the seat count you are working with.
Enter the cfm per seat 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 supply airflow
- 5,100 CFM
- Implied cooling tons
- 12.8
- Outdoor air at 5 CFM/seat
- 1,500 CFM
Quick answer
Theatres and auditoriums are typically sized around 15-20 CFM per seat, driven mostly by occupant sensible and latent heat.
CFM = seats x CFM per seat
At a glance
| What it does | Cooling airflow for a theatre or auditorium by occupancy. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Seat count, CFM per seat |
| Main output | Total supply airflow |
| Formula | CFM = seats x CFM per seat |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Theatre HVAC Load Calculator
- 1Count the fixed seat capacity.
- 2Apply 15-20 CFM per seat as a planning figure for full houses.
- 3Layer in outdoor air ventilation rates separately for code compliance.
Inputs explained
- Seat count
- Enter the seat count you are working with.
- CFM per seat(CFM)
- Enter the cfm per seat in CFM.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Seat count300
- CFM per seat17 CFM
Results
- Total supply airflow5,100 CFM
- Implied cooling tons12.8
- Outdoor air at 5 CFM/seat1,500 CFM
Frequently asked questions
Does showtime matter?
Demand control ventilation can reduce airflow between showings when the house is empty.
Why so much airflow per seat?
A packed, seated audience generates a surprisingly large, concentrated heat and CO2 load.
What do I need to enter into the Theatre HVAC Load Calculator?
Just 2 values: seat count, cfm per seat. 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 Theatre HVAC Load Calculator work out the answer?
Theatres and auditoriums are typically sized around 15-20 CFM per seat, driven mostly by occupant sensible and latent heat. It applies the formula CFM = seats x CFM per seat and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Theatre 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.