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Bathroom Ventilation Sizing Guide

Calculate the proper exhaust fan size for your bathroom with our professional CFM calculator. Ensure optimal ventilation for homes in Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, DC, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan CFM Calculator

Use our professional calculator to determine the proper CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating for your bathroom exhaust fan.

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Professional Sizing Guidelines

Understanding the industry standards and best practices for bathroom ventilation sizing.

Basic Rule

1 CFM per square foot of bathroom space, with a minimum of 50 CFM for any bathroom.

  • Small bathroom (50 sq ft): 50 CFM minimum
  • Medium bathroom (80 sq ft): 80 CFM
  • Large bathroom (120 sq ft): 120 CFM

Fixture Method

For bathrooms over 100 sq ft, calculate CFM based on individual fixtures.

  • Toilet: 50 CFM
  • Shower: 50 CFM
  • Bathtub: 50 CFM
  • Jetted tub: 100 CFM

Air Changes

Optimal ventilation provides 8-10 air changes per hour for effective moisture removal.

  • 8 ACH: Standard bathrooms
  • 10 ACH: High-moisture areas
  • 12+ ACH: Steam showers

Noise Levels

Choose fans with appropriate sone ratings for comfortable operation.

  • 0.3-0.9 sones: Ultra-quiet
  • 1.0-1.5 sones: Quiet
  • 2.0+ sones: Standard

Ductwork

Proper ductwork design is critical for achieving rated CFM performance.

  • Shortest path to exterior
  • Minimal bends and turns
  • Proper duct sizing

Code Requirements

Virginia building codes require mechanical ventilation in windowless bathrooms.

  • Must vent to exterior
  • No venting to attics
  • Timer or humidity controls

Installation Considerations

Important factors that affect exhaust fan performance and installation requirements.

Factors That Increase CFM Requirements

High Ceilings

Ceilings over 8 feet require additional CFM to handle increased air volume.

Multiple Fixtures

Separate shower and tub, multiple sinks, or jetted tubs increase moisture production.

Poor Insulation

Inadequate insulation allows more condensation on cold surfaces.

Long Duct Runs

Extensive ductwork reduces effective CFM, requiring higher-rated fans.

Installation Challenges

No Attic Access

May require wall-mounted fans or creative ductwork routing through walls.

Structural Constraints

Joists, HVAC ducts, or plumbing may limit fan placement options.

Electrical Requirements

New circuits may be needed for fans with lights, heaters, or high CFM ratings.

Exterior Venting

Proper exterior termination prevents moisture infiltration and backdrafts.

Need Professional Ventilation Design?

Our licensed electricians provide expert ventilation design and installation throughout Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, DC, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County.