When choosing an air compressor, one of the most important—and often overlooked—specs to consider is CFM, or cubic feet per minute. CFM tells you how much air your compressor can deliver. Different tools require different amounts of air, and not understanding these needs can lead to frustration, poor performance, or even damaged equipment.
So, how much CFM do your tools actually need? Let’s break it down by common air tools.
Recommended CFM and Pressure by Tool
|
Air Tool |
Required CFM |
Ideal Pressure (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
|
3/8” Impact Wrench |
3 to 4 CFM |
90 PSI |
|
Air Sander |
6 to 9 CFM |
90 PSI |
|
Small Air Blow Gun |
2 to 3 CFM |
90–100 PSI |
|
Sandblaster |
10 to 20+ CFM |
90–100 PSI |
|
Paint Gun |
4 to 6 CFM |
40–60 PSI |
|
Small Air Hammer (Zip Gun) |
4 to 5 CFM |
90–100 PSI |
|
Air Grinder |
5 to 8 CFM |
90 PSI |
Why CFM Matters More Than You Think
CFM determines how long your air tool can operate before your compressor runs out of air. If your compressor produces less CFM than your tools requires, you’ll constantly be waiting for the tank to refill. That’s downtime—and lost productivity.
For example, using a sander that needs 9 CFM with a compressor that only delivers 5 CFM will mean you can only use the tool for short bursts before running out of air.
Important Notes When Choosing a Compressor
-
Add a safety margin: Always choose a compressor with 25–30% more CFM than the highest CFM rating of the tool you plan to use. This gives you breathing room and protects your compressor from overworking.
-
Sandblasting requires serious airflow: Sandblasters are some of the most air-hungry tools. For regular sandblasting, you may need a compressor with 20+ CFM.
- Using multiple tools? Add up the CFM requirements of the tools you plan to use at the same time, then choose a compressor that can handle the total. You have to make a list of the tools used in your shop or manufacturing facility at the same time. Once you have the list, simply add the CFM required for each of these tools. You can refer to the list above as an estimate but the manufacturer of your tool can give you precise values.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right air compressor isn’t just about tank size or horsepower—it’s about making sure your compressor can keep up with your tools. At Airtek, we help businesses and professionals choose the right air system to get the job done efficiently and reliably.
Need help picking the right compressor for your tools? Contact us today and let’s talk airflow, pressure, and productivity.