What size air receiver do I need?

A common baseline is 4 gallons of receiver per CFM for a load/unload rotary screw and 1–2 gallons per CFM for a reciprocating compressor, then increase it for surging or intermittent loads.

What does a bigger receiver actually fix?

It shortens motor cycling, stabilizes pressure during short high-flow events and gives dryers and filters a steadier flow, but it does not add compressor capacity.

Should the tank be wet or dry?

A wet receiver ahead of the dryer knocks out bulk condensate and buffers the dryer; a dry receiver after the dryer supplies short peak demands with treated air. Large plants often use both.

Air Compressor Receiver Tank Sizing Calculator

All calculators

Formula

V = (t × C × 14.7 × 7.48) / (P₁ − P₂)

Unit system

Event flow

cfm

Duration

min

Initial pressure

psig

Final (allowed)

psig

Minimum receiver

220gal

Rule-of-thumb (4 gal/CFM)

200gal

Use the larger of the two for variable demand.

How to use this calculator

Size a receiver from demand, allowable pressure drop and available fill time.

Enter peak air demand in CFM and the demand duration.
Enter the allowable pressure drop between cut-in and cut-out.
Read the required receiver volume in gallons.
Round up to the next standard tank size and add storage if the load is intermittent.

Frequently asked questions

What size air receiver do I need?: A common baseline is 4 gallons of receiver per CFM for a load/unload rotary screw and 1–2 gallons per CFM for a reciprocating compressor, then increase it for surging or intermittent loads.
What does a bigger receiver actually fix?: It shortens motor cycling, stabilizes pressure during short high-flow events and gives dryers and filters a steadier flow, but it does not add compressor capacity.
Should the tank be wet or dry?: A wet receiver ahead of the dryer knocks out bulk condensate and buffers the dryer; a dry receiver after the dryer supplies short peak demands with treated air. Large plants often use both.