Duct Size From Flow
Calculator

Inputs

Duct cross-section (m²)
0.075511

Results

Duct cross-section (m²)
0.075511
Round duct diameter (mm)
310.071513
Equivalent square side (mm)
274.793724

HVAC and plumbing results

Duct cross-section (m²)0.075511
Round duct diameter (mm)310.071513
Equivalent square side (mm)274.793724

formula-map diagram

Duct cross-section (m²)
0.075511
Round duct diameter (mm)
310.071513
Equivalent square side (mm)
274.793724

HVAC and plumbing relationship

Formula

A = Q ÷ v, D = √(4A ÷ π)

= 0.075511590872418

Note

This is a simplified model: it applies a standard engineering formula to the numbers you entered. Conversions between BTU/h and kW use the exact factor 1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h, but every sizing figure is an estimate. Air conditioner sizing uses the common 20 BTU/h per square foot rule of thumb, not a room-by-room load calculation, and it ignores insulation, glazing, orientation, ceiling height, infiltration and local climate. Heating loads use a single volumetric heat-loss factor in W/m³·K rather than a fabric-by-fabric U-value calculation. Air properties are fixed at 1.2 kg/m³ and water at 1000 kg/m³ and 4186 J/kg·K, with no correction for temperature, altitude or glycol. Duct and pipe results use the ideal continuity equation and ignore fittings, bends, roughness and system effect unless you enter those losses yourself. The Hazen-Williams equation is valid only for water in full turbulent flow at ordinary temperatures. Water hammer uses the Joukowsky surge, an upper bound for instant closure. Tank drainage assumes a prismatic tank and steady free discharge. Hot water recovery and condensate figures ignore standing losses and coil bypass. Size real systems with a proper heat-loss survey and have the work checked by a qualified HVAC or plumbing professional.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right duct diameter for a given CFM?+

Rearrange the velocity formula: divide the required CFM by your target velocity to get the needed cross-sectional area, then solve for the diameter (for round ducts) or width and height (for rectangular ducts) from that area.

Why does the calculator ask for a target velocity rather than just giving one duct size?+

There's a trade-off between duct size and airflow speed: a smaller duct at higher velocity carries the same CFM as a larger duct at lower velocity, but with more noise and pressure loss. The target velocity lets you choose where on that trade-off you want to land.

Should I size branch ducts and the main trunk the same way?+

No — trunks typically use higher design velocities since they're farther from living spaces and noise is less noticeable, while branch ducts feeding registers near occupants are usually sized for lower velocities to keep things quiet.

What happens if I install a duct smaller than the calculated size?+

The same CFM will be forced through a smaller opening, raising velocity beyond the target, which increases noise, static pressure, and blower energy use, and can reduce total airflow delivered if the system can't overcome the added resistance.

Does duct shape (round versus rectangular) change the sizing math?+

The underlying area-velocity relationship is the same, but rectangular ducts have more surface area per unit of cross-section than round ducts of equivalent area, which slightly increases friction loss — round duct is generally more efficient for the same airflow.