Compressed Air Receiver Tank Sizing Formula

A quick calculator to estimate the required compressed air receiver volume based on compressor capacity, load / unload pressure range, and duty cycle.

VR = (t₁ + t₂) × Qs × Pa × x × (1 − x) D (m³)
  • VR: required air receiver volume (m³).
  • Qs: rated compressor air flow (sum of all compressors) (m³/min).
  • t₁: load time per cycle (min), t₂: unload time (min) (recommended t₁ + t₂ ≥ 0.5 min).
  • Pa ≈ 0.1013 MPa: atmospheric pressure (≈ 1 bar abs).
  • D = PH − PL (MPa), where PH, PL are unload / load pressures (gauge).
  • x: average load ratio of the system (0–1), equivalent to 0–100% load; commonly x ≈ 0.5 (50%).

If multiple compressors share one receiver, enter the total air flow (sum of all m³/min).

Unit note: If your compressor flow is given in L/s, m³/h, or CFM, please convert it to m³/min before entering the value. Use the flow rate unit converter .

Time the compressor runs in load condition per cycle. Default: 0.25 min.

Time the compressor runs in unload condition per cycle. Default: 0.25 min (t₁ + t₂ = 0.5 min).

Maximum system pressure at compressor unload point, in bar(g).

Unit note: Pressures must be entered in bar(g). If your data is in MPa, psi, or kPa, convert it using the pressure unit converter .

Minimum system pressure at compressor load point, in bar(g). Typically PH − PL ≈ 1 bar.

Unit note: Pressures must be entered in bar(g). If your data is in MPa, psi, or kPa, convert it using the pressure unit converter .

Default is 50%. For heavier load systems, consider 60–80%.

⚠️ Unit reminder: All calculations are based on m³/min for air flow and bar(g) for pressure. Please convert units if necessary before calculation.