How Do You Size a Piston Air Compressor?
Contact an expert to help you size the correct piston for your business.
Learn how to properly size your piston compressor based on your needs
Air compressors should be sized based on the volume of air (cfm/m3h) and air pressure (psi/bar) needed to do the job and not horse power. Single stage air compressors have a maximum pressure of around 130 psi (9 bar) while two stage air compressors have a maxinum air pressure of 175 psi (12 bar). Tank size is typically not a critical factor in sizing a compressor.
Calculating your need
- What is the maximum pressure you need? (refer to the table below for a general guideline)
- What is the electrical requirements (voltage/phase)?
- How many people will be using air at any time (maximum)?
- Is this a body shop or mechanical shop?
- Body Shop: 12-15 cfm/person X # of people
- Mechanical Shop: 3-5 cfm/person X # of people
- Now add at least 25% to your total cfm required in order to allow for duty cycle.
Typical cfm consumption by tool
| Tool/Equipment | Air Pressure (psi) | Air Pressure (bar) | Air Consumed (cfm) | Air Consumed (l/s) |
| Impact Wrench 3/8-1/2 | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 5 | 2.36 |
| Impact Wrench 1/2-3/4 | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 10 | 4.72 |
| Impact Wrench 3/4-1 3/4 | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 20 | 9.44 |
| Air Ratchet | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 3-5 | 1.42-2.36 |
| Body Sander (Oribital) | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 12 | 5.66 |
| Tire Changer | 125-150 | 8.6-10.3 | 2 | 0.94 |
| Bead Breaker | 125-150 | 8.6-10.3 | 12 | 5.66 |
| Blow Gun | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 3 | 1.42 |
| Die Grinder | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 7 | 3.3 |
| Screwdriver #2-6 Screw | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 5 | 2.36 |
| Screwdriver #6-5/16 Screw | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 10 | 4.72 |
| Paint Spray Gun (Touch Up) | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 4 | 1.89 |
| Paint Spray Gun (HVLP) | 40-60 | 2.7-4.1 | 15 | 7.08 |
| Nailers/Staplers | 70-90 | 4.8-6.2 | 2-4 | 0.94-1.89 |
To size your compressor in a correct way, you need to learn your compressed air needs and how to measure compressed air.
Get in touch with the expert
If you need expert guidance or support for your Chicago Pneumatic air compressor, their team of specialists is readily available to help. Whether you're looking for maintenance tips, troubleshooting assistance, or product recommendations, you can easily get in touch with Chicago Pneumatic's knowledgeable professionals to ensure your equipment runs at peak performance.
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