How to Compare Air Compressor CFM
CFM is an acronym short for "cubic feet per minute." In terms of an air compressor, this refers to the flow rate of the air that is leaving the compressor at any given moment. If you're trying to decide between a few different air compressors, taking a closer look at the cubic feet per minute ratios of each unit can help make your decision a little easier. To accomplish this, you need to find out the "real" CFM rate of an air compressor using simple math. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Look on the technical specifications sheet for your air compressor to find out the volume of the tank. This will be measured in gallons. Divide this number by the number 7.48 to convert the number from gallons into cubic feet. This will make finding the true CFM air flow rate easier.
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2
Look on the technical specifications sheet for your air compressor to find out the PSI, or "pounds per square inch." Divide this number by 14.7 to convert it from PSI to ATM, or "atmospheres."
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3
Look on the technical specifications sheet for your air compressor to find out the length of one "cycle." This will typically be measured in seconds. Divide the number 60 by this number to convert it from seconds to minutes.
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4
Multiply the cubic feet volume of your air compressor by the atmospheres of pressure of your air compressor by the cycle minute value of your compressor. This will give you the true CFM air flow rate of the air compressor you're considering.
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Perform these calculations on every air compressor you're trying to compare to find the true CFM air flow rate of all units. You can then easily see which is larger, which is smaller and compare it to your needs to find the unit to purchase.
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