Bathroom Fan Calculator

What size bathroom fan do I need?

ft
ft
Toilet
Shower
Bathtub
Jetted tub

Your bath fan should move

50CFM

Under 100 sq ft: 1 CFM per sq ft, minimum 50, per Home Ventilating Institute. A fan running continuously may need only 20 CFM. Confirm against local code.

50 CFM48 sq ft bathroomSized by floor areaPlan view
Room area48 sq ft
Fixture total100 CFM
Continuous-fan alternative20 CFM

Get the CFM from your room size or fixtures using Home Ventilating Institute guidance.

How it works

Rooms under 100 square feet use 1 CFM per square foot with a 50 CFM minimum. Larger rooms add 50 CFM for each toilet, shower and tub, and 100 CFM for a jetted tub.

Before you order

  • Vent outside, never into an attic.
  • Long or crimped duct runs reduce real airflow.
  • A timer switch keeps the fan running long enough after a shower.

Common questions

Do I need a continuous fan?

A fan left running can be much smaller, about 20 CFM, and is an accepted alternative in many codes.

What does sones mean?

It is a loudness rating, and lower is quieter. Under 1 sone is quiet for a bath fan.