Compressed Air Pipe Sizing & Pressure Drop Calculator
Use this preliminary calculator to estimate compressed-air pipe size, velocity, equivalent length, pipe pressure drop, component pressure losses, downstream pressure, and minimum compressor discharge pressure.
This tool is intended for preliminary engineering reference only. Final compressed-air system design should be verified using actual pipe data, manufacturer pressure-drop information, demand diversity, future expansion requirements, and applicable standards.
What This Calculator Will Help Estimate
- Compressed-air pipe size based on SCFM and operating pressure
- Pipe velocity in each segment
- Pressure drop through straight pipe
- Equivalent-length allowance for fittings
- Component pressure losses for dryers, filters, regulators, hoses, and couplings
- Downstream pressure at the point of use
- Minimum compressor discharge pressure
- Pressure-margin and velocity warnings
Typical Inputs
- Design flow in SCFM / FAD
- Compressor discharge pressure
- Required point-of-use pressure
- Pipe temperature
- Pipe size and material
- Straight pipe length
- Fitting equivalent length
- Dryer, filter, regulator, hose, and coupling pressure losses
Important Design Notes
For ring-main systems, air may approach a point of use from two directions. Model each leg using realistic airflow rather than applying the full system flow to every pipe segment.
Pressure losses from dryers, filters, regulators, hoses, and couplings can be significant and should be included separately.
Download Excel Calculator
Download the HVACICI workbook for compressed-air pipe sizing, velocity review, equivalent length, component pressure losses, and preliminary distribution-system analysis.