Shop Air Compressors by CFM

CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the number that actually sizes an air compressor. Horsepower tells you how big the motor is; CFM tells you how much air the machine delivers at working pressure, and that is what your tools and your production line consume. Pick the compressor by adding up the CFM of the tools that run at the same time, then add 25 to 30 percent for leaks, growth and duty cycle. If pressure is your starting point instead, see Shop by PSI; if you are matching the motor size of an existing machine, see Shop by HP.

Shop by CFM rating

• 5 CFM air compressors: nailers, blow guns, inflators, airbrush. 1 to 2 HP, 120 volt.
• 10 CFM air compressors: two person nailer crews, impact wrenches, small blast cabinets. 2 to 4 HP.
• 15 CFM air compressors: the standard 5 HP two stage shop compressor for two bay garages and small fab shops.
• 20 CFM air compressors: 5 HP high output and 7.5 HP two stage units for body shops and four bay service shops.
• 25 CFM air compressors: 7.5 HP piston units, gas drive contractor compressors and small rotary screws.
• 30 CFM air compressors: 10 HP piston, duplex packages and 7.5 to 10 HP rotary screws for production shops.
• 35 CFM air compressors: 10 HP two stage simplex and duplex piston units and 10 HP rotary screws.
• 40 CFM air compressors: 10 HP fixed and variable speed rotary screws, 15 HP Ironman duplex.
• 45 CFM air compressors: 15 HP piston and duplex units, 15 HP VSD screws, oil free multi scroll.
• 50 CFM air compressors: 15 HP two stage piston at full output, 15 HP rotary screws.
• 60 CFM air compressors: 20 HP duplex piston sets and 15 HP rotary screws.
• 70 CFM air compressors: 20 HP duplex piston, Atlas Copco GA15 and 20 HP VSD rotary screws.
• 80 CFM air compressors: 20 HP Champion R series piston, 15 to 25 HP rotary screws.
• 90 CFM air compressors: 25 HP Champion two stage piston, 20 HP rotary screws, 30 HP oil free scroll.
• 100 CFM air compressors: 25 to 30 HP rotary screws, 30 HP piston, 100 CFM diesel towables.
• 125 CFM air compressors: 25 to 35 HP rotary screws, fixed and variable speed.
• 150 CFM air compressors: 30 to 50 HP rotary screws, mostly variable speed, up to 175 PSI.
• 185 CFM air compressors: the standard jobsite diesel towable, plus 40 HP plant rotary screws.
• 200 CFM air compressors: 30 to 50 HP plant rotary screws, fixed and variable speed, up to 175 PSI.
• 250 CFM air compressors: 50 and 60 HP rotary screws and 250 CFM diesel towables for blasting.
• 375 CFM air compressors: 375 to 400 CFM diesel towables and 75 HP industrial rotary screws.
• 15 to 20 CFM range: the whole 5 HP class on one page.

Need more than 400 CFM, or a 300 CFM class machine? See rotary screw air compressors, towable air compressors and the full air compressor catalog, or contact us with your load figures.

How CFM ratings are stated

Small compressors are usually rated at 90 PSI. Two stage industrial piston compressors and rotary screws are rated at their maximum working pressure, typically 100 to 175 PSI, and the same machine delivers more air at lower pressure. When you compare models, check the pressure the CFM figure was measured at. Rotary screw and scroll compressors publish free air delivery per ISO 1217; piston compressors are often quoted as displacement, which is 20 to 30 percent higher than delivered air.

Common tool air consumption

Tool	CFM at 90 PSI (continuous)
Framing or finish nailer	2 to 3
1/2 inch impact wrench	4 to 5
Die grinder	5 to 8
HVLP spray gun	8 to 12
Dual action sander	11 to 13
1 inch impact wrench	10 to 12
Sandblast cabinet, 1/4 inch nozzle	25 to 30
Pressure pot blaster, 3/8 inch nozzle	80 to 100

Need help sizing a system, a dryer or a receiver tank? Use the dryer CFM calculator or contact us with your tool list.