Sandblasting CFM Chart & Nozzle Calculator
CFM needed for sandblasting at every nozzle size and pressure. Plus hose pressure loss, breathing air demand, and fuel burn.
Quick answer
Results are estimates based on industry-published data. Verify against manufacturer specs for your specific equipment.
Sandblaster CFM Chart: All Nozzle Sizes
Use this reference chart to quickly look up CFM requirements by nozzle size and working pressure. For exact calculations including hose loss, breathing air, and altitude derate, use the interactive calculator below.
| Nozzle Size | Orifice | 80 PSI | 100 PSI | 120 PSI | 150 PSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 3/16" | 40 | 45 | 49 | 55 |
| #4 | 1/4" | 72 | 81 | 89 | 99 |
| #5 | 5/16" | 144 | 161 | 176 | 197 |
| #6 | 3/8" | 208 | 232 | 254 | 284 |
| #7 | 7/16" | 282 | 315 | 345 | 386 |
| #8 | 1/2" | 369 | 412 | 451 | 505 |
| #10 | 5/8" | 490 | 548 | 600 | 671 |
| #12 | 3/4" | 701 | 784 | 859 | 960 |
CFM values from Clemco/Kleenblast technical bulletins. CFM scales with √(pressure/100).
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Data sources
- Nozzle CFM values: Clemco Industries & Kleenblast technical bulletins
- Pressure-flow relationship: Bernoulli principle (CFM scales with √P)
- Altitude derate: 3% per 1,000 ft. Atlas Copco, GPSA Section 13
- Breathing air: 15 CFM per blaster for Type CE hoods (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134)
- Diesel fuel: 0.05 gal/CFM/hr at full load. Industry field estimation method
- Compressor headroom: 25% safety margin per compressed air best practices
Common questions
What size compressor do I need for sandblasting?+
It depends on your nozzle size. A #5 nozzle at 100 PSI needs about 161 CFM, a #6 needs 232 CFM, and a #7 needs 315 CFM. Add 15 CFM per blaster for breathing air, derate for altitude, and add 25% headroom. Most single-nozzle jobs run on a 375 CFM compressor. Two-nozzle setups typically need 750-900 CFM.
How much CFM does a #6 blast nozzle use?+
A #6 (3/8") nozzle uses about 232 CFM at 100 PSI. At 150 PSI it draws about 284 CFM. The relationship is proportional to the square root of pressure. Doubling pressure increases CFM by about 41%, not double.
How much does hose length affect blast pressure?+
Typical pressure loss is 0.5-3 PSI per 50 feet depending on hose inner diameter. A 1-1/4" ID hose loses about 0.8 PSI per 50 feet. Undersized hoses lose significantly more: a 3/4" hose loses about 3 PSI per 50 feet. Keep hoses as short and wide as practical.
How much diesel does a blast compressor burn?+
Roughly 0.05 gallons per CFM per hour at full load. A 375 CFM compressor burns about 19 gal/hr, and a 900 CFM rig burns about 45 gal/hr. Actual consumption varies with load factor. Most jobs run at 60-80% load.
Does altitude affect compressor output?+
Yes. Compressors lose about 3% output per 1,000 feet of elevation. At 5,000 feet you need roughly 15% more compressor capacity than at sea level to get the same nozzle performance.
How much CFM do I need for sandblasting?+
The CFM you need depends on your nozzle size. Common setups: #5 nozzle needs 161 CFM, #6 needs 232 CFM, #7 needs 315 CFM (all at 100 PSI). Add 15 CFM per blaster for breathing air, adjust for altitude (+3% per 1,000 ft), and add 25% compressor headroom. See our CFM chart above for all nozzle sizes at multiple pressures.
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