Retail HVAC Load Calculator
Supply airflow for a retail sales floor.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Supply airflow
- 6,000 CFM
- Implied cooling tons
- 15
- Outdoor air at 7.5 CFM/1000sqft occupant basis
- 300 CFM min
Quick answer
Retail sales floors are typically sized around 1-1.5 CFM per square foot, adjusted for occupant density and display lighting heat.
CFM = area x rate
How to use the Retail HVAC Load Calculator
- 1Measure the sales floor area, excluding stockrooms.
- 2Estimate customer traffic density.
- 3Add extra allowance for entry vestibules and high-lighting display zones.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Sales floor area5000 sq ft
- Customer densityAverage
Results
- Supply airflow6,000 CFM
- Implied cooling tons15
- Outdoor air at 7.5 CFM/1000sqft occupant basis300 CFM min
Frequently asked questions
Does lighting matter?
Yes — LED retrofits have lowered retail cooling loads significantly versus older halogen and metal halide fixtures.
Fitting rooms?
Treat fitting room areas like small offices with their own supply and return.
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.