Required Air Exchange

Required Air Exchange

Use this calculator to determine the minimum air exchange required in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This calculation can vary depending on your grow stage and conditions.

Volume of grow room (cu ft): 0
Total minimum air exchange required (CFM): 0

* The formulas and multipliers used here are estimates. Adjust them in the code to reflect your specific climate or equipment.


Why should I use this calculator?

Proper air exchange in a grow room is crucial for healthy cannabis plants. This calculator helps you figure out the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute, or CFM) that needs to be moved for optimal airflow. By entering your grow room dimensions and setup details (lighting, CO2 enrichment, carbon filter usage, etc.), you’ll receive an estimate of the exhaust and inlet fan capacity required. This information is invaluable when deciding on fans, filters, and other equipment to ensure stable temperatures and humidity.

Learn More: Check out our free and advanced cannabis cultivation courses at
SativaUniversity.com/courses and join the community at
SativaUniversity.com/forums to discuss grow room setups.

Does a marijuana grow room need fresh air?

Absolutely. Fresh air delivers the CO2 plants need and prevents stale or stagnant air—which can invite pests, molds, and other problems. Adequate fresh air also helps regulate temperature and humidity, both essential for vigorous growth.

Tip: For detailed airflow strategies and best practices, explore our courses at
SativaUniversity.com/courses. You can also share your grow room plans in our expert-led forums.

Will pumping CO2 into my grow room affect the fresh air requirements?

Yes. CO2 enrichment can increase your overall airflow demands, as you’ll often need a slightly higher exchange rate to maintain balanced temperatures and humidity. Our calculator takes CO2 enrichment into account, along with other factors like lighting and filters, so you can see how each variable impacts your estimated CFM needs.

Next Steps: For deeper insights into CO2 usage, sign up for a free or premium class at
SativaUniversity.com/courses. Discuss real-world CO2 setups in the
forums to get feedback from experienced growers.

What is CFM?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute—it’s a measurement of how much air a fan can move in one minute. This is the standard unit when discussing ventilation in grow rooms, tents, or any enclosed space.

Learn More: Head to SativaUniversity.com/courses for free lessons on grow room ventilation and to our forums to see how fellow growers choose fans.

How much air exchange does my cannabis grow room need?

A good rule of thumb is to replace the air in your grow area at least once every few minutes. For example, if your grow tent volume is 125 cubic feet, you’d aim for at least 125 CFM of exhaust capacity to refresh that air within one minute. If you add heat (like HID lighting), CO2, higher outside humidity, or a carbon filter, your required CFM can increase. Our calculator factors these conditions into its estimate.

Looking for specifics? Our in-depth courses at
SativaUniversity.com/courses cover fan selection and advanced ventilation strategies. Join the forums to talk with other growers about what worked in their setups.

How does the cubic feet per minute (CFM) calculator work?

The tool first calculates the volume of your grow space (length × width × height). Then, it adjusts that base requirement according to factors like:
Number & Type of Lights (air-cooled vs. regular HID)
CO2 Enrichment
Carbon Filter Use
External Temperature & Humidity

Each factor can increase or reduce the amount of airflow you need.

Dig Deeper: For a technical breakdown of ventilation principles, see SativaUniversity.com/courses. And don’t forget to ask specific questions in the forums.

What other equipment should I consider? (Carbon filters, CO2 machines, etc.)

Your ventilation system may need:
Carbon Filters to reduce odors; these often increase fan load.
CO2 Generators or Tanks for enriched grows; can alter fan cycling needs.
Temperature & Humidity Controls to ensure your fans run at optimal times.

Our calculator accounts for carbon filters and CO2 in its airflow calculations. Other factors like heat from lights, large temperature swings, or high outside humidity might necessitate additional equipment (like dehumidifiers or AC units).

More Resources: Get a comprehensive look at grow room design at
SativaUniversity.com/courses. For real-world advice, share your plans with our growing community at the forums.

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