Vertical Farm Airflow Calculator
Per-tier airflow for a vertical farming rack.
Enter your values
Enter the tier width in ft.
Enter the tier clearance height in ft.
Enter the target face velocity in FPM.
Enter the number of tiers 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.
- Airflow per tier
- 900 CFM
- Total system airflow
- 5,400 CFM
- Cross-section area per tier
- 6 sq ft
Quick answer
Vertical farm tiers commonly target 0.5-1.5 m/s (100-300 FPM) of horizontal airflow across the canopy for uniform gas exchange.
CFM per tier = tier cross-section area x target FPM
At a glance
| What it does | Per-tier airflow for a vertical farming rack. |
|---|---|
| Category | HVAC & Airflow |
| Inputs needed | Tier width, Tier clearance height, Target face velocity, Number of tiers |
| Main output | Airflow per tier |
| Formula | CFM per tier = tier cross-section area x target FPM |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Vertical Farm Airflow Calculator
- 1Measure the cross-sectional area of airflow across one growing tier.
- 2Apply a target face velocity of 100-300 FPM for good leaf-boundary-layer exchange.
- 3Multiply per-tier CFM by the number of tiers for total fan sizing.
Inputs explained
- Tier width(ft)
- Enter the tier width in ft.
- Tier clearance height(ft)
- Enter the tier clearance height in ft.
- Target face velocity(FPM)
- Enter the target face velocity in FPM.
- Number of tiers
- Enter the number of tiers you are working with.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Tier width4 ft
- Tier clearance height1.5 ft
- Target face velocity150 FPM
- Number of tiers6
Results
- Airflow per tier900 CFM
- Total system airflow5,400 CFM
- Cross-section area per tier6 sq ft
Frequently asked questions
Why does airflow matter for plant growth?
Still air lets a still boundary layer of depleted CO2 form at the leaf surface, slowing photosynthesis.
Too much airflow?
Excess velocity can cause transpiration stress and drying — stay within the recommended range.
What do I need to enter into the Vertical Farm Airflow Calculator?
Just 4 values: tier width, tier clearance height, target face velocity, number of tiers. 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 Vertical Farm Airflow Calculator work out the answer?
Vertical farm tiers commonly target 0.5-1.5 m/s (100-300 FPM) of horizontal airflow across the canopy for uniform gas exchange. It applies the formula CFM per tier = tier cross-section area x target FPM and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Vertical Farm Airflow 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.