Raised Floor Tile Airflow Calculator
Perforated tile count for a rack row.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Airflow per tile
- 402 CFM
- Tiles required
- 15
- Row airflow
- 6,000 CFM
- Plenum pressure
- 0.05 in wc
- Note
- Keep plenum clear — cable congestion kills tile flow
Quick answer
Each perforated floor tile passes airflow set by its open area and the under-floor pressure, typically 300-600 CFM.
tiles = rack airflow / CFM per tile
How to use the Raised Floor Tile Airflow Calculator
- 1Total the airflow the rack row needs.
- 2Pick the tile type installed in the cold aisle.
- 3Measure actual plenum pressure — cable trays under the floor often halve theoretical flow.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Row airflow required6000 CFM
- Tile type25% open
- Plenum pressure0.05 in wc
Results
- Airflow per tile402 CFM
- Tiles required15
- Row airflow6,000 CFM
- Plenum pressure0.05 in wc
- NoteKeep plenum clear — cable congestion kills tile flow
Frequently asked questions
Can I just add more tiles?
Only up to a point — too many tiles drops plenum pressure and starves the far end of the row.
Blanking panels?
Essential — open rack U-space lets hot air recirculate straight back to the intakes.
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.