Bar Ventilation Calculator
Outdoor air CFM for a bar or lounge.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Outdoor air required
- 630 CFM
- Occupant density
- 16.7 sq ft/person
- Total supply at 1.5 CFM/sq ft
- 1,500 CFM
Quick answer
Bars and lounges typically need about 7.5 CFM per person plus 0.18 CFM per square foot, often at higher density than dining rooms.
CFM = 7.5 x people + 0.18 x area
How to use the Bar Ventilation Calculator
- 1Estimate the peak standing-room occupancy for the bar area.
- 2Enter the bar floor area.
- 3Size supply air generously since bars run denser and warmer than dining rooms.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Peak occupants60
- Bar floor area1000 sq ft
Results
- Outdoor air required630 CFM
- Occupant density16.7 sq ft/person
- Total supply at 1.5 CFM/sq ft1,500 CFM
Frequently asked questions
Why higher supply rate than dining?
Standing crowds generate more heat and CO2 per square foot than seated diners.
Smoking areas?
Any indoor smoking area needs dedicated high-CFM exhaust per local code, calculated separately.
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.