Required CFM
4 CFM
PSI
90
Tank
6 gal
HP
1.0
Impact Wrench (1/2")
5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Impact Wrench (3/4")
7 CFM @ 90 PSI
Die Grinder
5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air Ratchet
3.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Blow Gun
2.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Brad / Finish Nailer
2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI
Framing Nailer
2.5 CFM @ 120 PSI
HVLP Spray Gun
12 CFM @ 30 PSI
DA Sander
8 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air Drill
4 CFM @ 90 PSI
Cutoff Tool
6 CFM @ 90 PSI
Tire Inflator
1.5 CFM @ 120 PSI
Sandblaster
14 CFM @ 90 PSI
Plasma Cutter
6 CFM @ 90 PSI
50% for home shop, 75%+ for production
Recommended Compressor
4 CFM
@ 90 PSI
Tank
6 gal
Motor
1.0 HP
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Price as of Jun 27, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
Raw CFM: 5.0 + 2.5 = 7.5. At 50% simultaneous use: 7.5 × 0.50 = 3.75. With 1.5x safety: 3.75 × 1.5 = 5.63 → 6 CFM. Tank = 6 × 1.5 = 9 gallons.
Inputs
Result
Raw CFM: 5 + 8 + 5 = 18. At 50%: 18 × 0.50 = 9.0. With 1.5x: 9.0 × 1.5 = 13.5 → 14 CFM. Tank = 14 × 1.5 = 21 gallons.
List all air tools you'll use, note their CFM requirements, estimate what percentage will run simultaneously, and multiply by 1.5x safety factor. A home garage with an impact wrench (5 CFM) and blow gun (2.5 CFM) at 50% simultaneous use needs: 7.5 × 0.50 × 1.5 = 5.6 CFM compressor.
| Tool | CFM Required | PSI | Usage Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Wrench 1/2" | 5.0 | 90 | Intermittent |
| DA Sander | 8.0 | 90 | Continuous |
| HVLP Spray Gun | 12.0 | 30 | Continuous |
| Framing Nailer | 2.5 | 120 | Intermittent |
| Sandblaster | 14.0 | 90 | Continuous |
Tank size determines how long you can work before the compressor cycles on. Rule of thumb: 1 gallon per CFM for intermittent use (nailers), 1.5–2 gallons per CFM for continuous tools (sanders, spray guns). A 20 CFM setup needs a 30–40 gallon tank for continuous use.
Single-stage compressors pump air to final pressure in one stroke, maxing out around 150 PSI. Two-stage compressors use two cylinders: the first compresses to ~90 PSI, the second boosts to 175+ PSI. Two-stage units run cooler, last longer, and are more efficient for continuous-use tools.
A rough rule is 4 CFM per HP for single-stage and 5 CFM per HP for two-stage. So a 10 CFM requirement needs about 2.5 HP single-stage or 2 HP two-stage. Beware of inflated HP ratings on cheap compressors — look at actual CFM delivery at 90 PSI instead.
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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026
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