Attic Ventilation Calculator

How much attic ventilation do I need?

ft
ft
Code ratio
sq in per ft
sq in

Your attic needs

1,183sq in

IRC R806.2 sets 1/150 of attic area, with 1/300 allowed under conditions that vary by edition. Split evenly here. Use the net free area printed on your vents and confirm with local code.

1,183 sq in net free areaIntake 591, exhaust 591 sq in
Attic floor area1,232 sq ft
Intake at the eaves591 sq in
Exhaust up high591 sq in
Ridge vent at your rating33 ft
Soffit vents at your rating66

Work out net free vent area, split between eaves and ridge, from the size of your attic.

How it works

Attic floor area × 144 ÷ the code ratio gives square inches, shared between intake and exhaust.

Before you order

  • Do not block soffit vents with insulation. Use baffles.
  • Mixing ridge vents with powered fans can short-circuit airflow.
  • Check the net free area on the product, because it varies.

Common questions

Is the rule 1/150 or 1/300?

The code starts at 1/150 and allows 1/300 under specific conditions that vary by edition.

What is net free area?

The actual open area of a vent after screens and louvers.