Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator
Tank volume for a compressed air system.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Receiver volume
- 11.76 cu ft
- In gallons
- 88 gal
- Usable pressure band
- 25 psi
- Rule of thumb (4 gal per CFM)
- 80 gal
- Recommended
- 88 gal
Quick answer
Receiver size depends on the air drawn, the usable pressure band and how long you can wait between compressor starts.
V = T x (C - D) x Patm / (P1 - P2)
How to use the Air Receiver Tank Size Calculator
- 1Enter the demand the tank must cover on its own and for how long.
- 2Set the cut-in and cut-out pressures of your compressor.
- 3Round up to a standard tank size — bigger tanks reduce motor starts and wear.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Demand20 SCFM
- Time to hold1 min
- Max pressure125 psi
- Min pressure100 psi
Results
- Receiver volume11.76 cu ft
- In gallons88 gal
- Usable pressure band25 psi
- Rule of thumb (4 gal per CFM)80 gal
- Recommended88 gal
Frequently asked questions
Wet or dry receiver?
A wet receiver before the dryer knocks out condensate; a dry receiver after it stores clean air for peaks.
Rule of thumb?
Four gallons of tank per CFM works well for reciprocating compressors.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.