Resources / Ductulator

Ductulator.

Give air a little room.
Compare duct sizes and friction loss.

DUCT SIZINGGALVANIZED · UNLINED · STRAIGHT
ACTUAL AIRFLOW1,200 CFM
Drag to turn · ← →Illustrative airflow.
Not a fluid simulation.
Cross section
CFM
5010,000 CFM
Clear inside dimensions
in
in

At or below 0.08 in. w.g./100 ft
and 1,500 FPM. Whole-inch sizes.

Air velocity
FPM

Volume flow ÷ cross-sectional area

Friction loss
in. w.g. / 100 ft

Straight duct only, excluding fittings

Cross-sectional area
ft²

20 × 12 inch rectangular duct

Change a dimension to see the tradeoff.

Choosing a size

A smaller duct takes less space, but carries the same airflow at higher velocity and friction loss.

Follow the air through a rooftop unit ↗

Service report builder ↗
Air conditions

Airflow is actual volume at these conditions. Changing air density affects friction loss, not velocity at a fixed volume flow.

How the calculation works

Friction loss uses Darcy–Weisbach with galvanized-steel roughness and an air-density correction. Rectangular duct uses hydraulic diameter, an approximation rather than an equal-friction round conversion. Read the method, sources and limits.

Limitations

This is a straight-duct calculator, not a complete duct-system design. It does not determine required airflow, fitting losses, fan capacity, noise, leakage or code compliance. The sizing button uses the two stated limits as an example, not a universal design recommendation. Confirm available sizes with your fabricator.