Kitchen Exhaust Makeup Air Balance Calculator
Balance kitchen exhaust against makeup air supply.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Net pressure balance
- 300 CFM negative
- Percent of exhaust unmet
- 10%
- Recommended range
- 5-10% negative
- Suggested makeup air
- 2,760 CFM
Quick answer
A kitchen should run slightly negative to the dining room but not so negative that doors are hard to open or the hood loses capture.
Net = exhaust - (makeup + transfer air)
How to use the Kitchen Exhaust Makeup Air Balance Calculator
- 1Enter total hood exhaust from all hood sections.
- 2Enter dedicated makeup air unit output.
- 3Enter any transfer air pulled in from the dining room, then check the balance is 5-10% negative.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Total hood exhaust3000 CFM
- Dedicated makeup air2400 CFM
- Transfer air from dining300 CFM
Results
- Net pressure balance300 CFM negative
- Percent of exhaust unmet10%
- Recommended range5-10% negative
- Suggested makeup air2,760 CFM
Frequently asked questions
What if the kitchen is too negative?
Doors become hard to open, outside air infiltrates uncontrolled, and the hood can lose capture — add more makeup air.
What if it's positive?
Grease-laden air can spill into the dining room; increase exhaust or reduce makeup air.
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.