My Account
Choosing the right air compressor is one of the most important steps in achieving efficient, consistent abrasive blasting results. If your compressor is undersized, you’ll experience pressure drops, reduced productivity, and uneven surface preparation. If it’s oversized, you could be wasting fuel and money. Our Air Compressor Sizing Calculator takes the guesswork out of the equation by helping you determine the exact CFM and PSI requirements for your blasting setup. Simply input your nozzle size, desired blasting pressure, and other key variables, and the tool will calculate the compressor output needed to maintain optimal performance in real-world conditions.
Inputs
Adds 20 CFM.
Recommendation: 20–25% extra compressor capacity.
Result
Required Compressor Output
142 CFM
100 PSI
Baseline: 103 CFM @ 100 PSI · Abrasive ×1.05 · Hose ×1.05 · Safety ×1.25
Select a compressor rated to deliver at least 150 CFM continuously at 100 PSI.
Quick Reference (CFM at the nozzle)
Commonly cited nozzle chart points at 50, 90, and 100 PSI for sizes #4–#8.
| Nozzle | 50 PSI | 90 PSI | 100 PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4 — 1/4″ | — | — | ≈103 |
| #5 — 5/16″ | — | ≈150* | ≈158 |
| #6 — 3/8″ | — | — | ≈229 |
| #7 — 7/16″ | — | ≈240 | ≈312 |
| #8 — 1/2″ | ≈229 | — | ≈407 |
* 90 PSI for #5 varies by source, typically 147–158 CFM. Midpoint of 150 CFM used.
How this calculator works
- Baseline nozzle CFM points from published charts at 50, 90, 100 PSI for #4–#8.
- Adjustments for abrasive mass and hose layout, optional +20 CFM for respirator.
- Safety margin applied to recommend compressor headroom for losses and duty cycle.
- Blast pot must maintain pressure to keep pop‑up valve sealed; oversize to sustain 90–100 PSI at the nozzle.
