CFM to Tons Reference Values
Convert airflow to approximate tons of cooling using a common 400 CFM per ton rule of thumb.
On this page
Reference Value Index
This page lists 20 reference values for quick browsing and lookup.
All Reference Values
- 200 CFM = 0.5 ton
- 400 CFM = 1 ton
- 600 CFM = 1.5 ton
- 800 CFM = 2 ton
- 1,000 CFM = 2.5 ton
- 1,200 CFM = 3 ton
- 1,400 CFM = 3.5 ton
- 1,600 CFM = 4 ton
- 1,800 CFM = 4.5 ton
- 2,000 CFM = 5 ton
- 2,200 CFM = 5.5 ton
- 2,400 CFM = 6 ton
- 2,600 CFM = 6.5 ton
- 2,800 CFM = 7 ton
- 3,000 CFM = 7.5 ton
- 3,200 CFM = 8 ton
- 3,400 CFM = 8.5 ton
- 3,600 CFM = 9 ton
- 3,800 CFM = 9.5 ton
- 4,000 CFM = 10 ton
Reference Table
| Airflow | Approx Tons | Nominal BTU/h |
|---|---|---|
| 200 CFM | 0.5 ton | 6,000 |
| 400 CFM | 1 ton | 12,000 |
| 600 CFM | 1.5 ton | 18,000 |
| 800 CFM | 2 ton | 24,000 |
| 1,000 CFM | 2.5 ton | 30,000 |
| 1,200 CFM | 3 ton | 36,000 |
| 1,400 CFM | 3.5 ton | 42,000 |
| 1,600 CFM | 4 ton | 48,000 |
| 1,800 CFM | 4.5 ton | 54,000 |
| 2,000 CFM | 5 ton | 60,000 |
| 2,200 CFM | 5.5 ton | 66,000 |
| 2,400 CFM | 6 ton | 72,000 |
| 2,600 CFM | 6.5 ton | 78,000 |
| 2,800 CFM | 7 ton | 84,000 |
| 3,000 CFM | 7.5 ton | 90,000 |
| 3,200 CFM | 8 ton | 96,000 |
| 3,400 CFM | 8.5 ton | 102,000 |
| 3,600 CFM | 9 ton | 108,000 |
| 3,800 CFM | 9.5 ton | 114,000 |
| 4,000 CFM | 10 ton | 120,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions for CFM to Tons and its reference values.
What does CFM to tons conversion assume?
This calculator uses a common comfort-cooling rule of thumb of roughly 400 CFM per ton.
Is 400 CFM per ton always correct?
No. Actual design CFM per ton can vary with humidity control goals, equipment, and operating conditions.
Can this convert in reverse from tons to CFM?
Yes. Multiply tons by 400 to estimate airflow under this rule.
Should I use this for final duct design?
Use it for quick sizing checks. Final design should use equipment data, static pressure, and full load calculations.
Methodology and Review
Each row on this page links to a value detail page derived from the same conversion data file as the main calculator and reference table. This reduces inconsistencies across page variants.
Editorial metadata and structured data are rendered across the converter page and linked value pages. Review policies are documented in our review process and editorial policy.