Below is an example of duct sizing

The load calculation indicates a heat gain of 28,000 BTUH, Therefore a 2-1/2 ton A/C unit is
needed. The total system CFM is 1000 (for heating only, use the furnace cfm). The cfm of each
branch is determined using the example shown for room C.
The return trunk must handle 1000 cfm. The first section of the supply trunk must handle 1000 cfm
while the second section will have to handle the remaining 517 cfm

Room C
3000 btuh Heat Gain (obtain from room-by-room load calculation)
3000/28,000 X 1000 = 107 CFM
C
107 cfm

125 cfm

88 cfm

1000 cfm

AHU
1000 cfm

1000 cfm

A
return

517 cfm

68 cfm 110 cfm

110 cfm

External static pressure of air handler @ 100 cfmwet coil

Air filter
registers
Grille
Total Available Static Pressure

50 cfm 123 cfm

84 cfm

Measured length of duct (A to B ) =

Equivalent lengths of turns and fittings between A and B =
Total effective length =

135 cfm
B

65 feet
190 feet
255 feet

.5 w.c
-.10 w.c.
-.15 w.c.
-.03 w.c.
-.03 w.c.
.19 w.c.

Friction Rate= .19 X 100

255
= .075 w.c. (Size all ducts at this friction rate)

Use the Friction Rate (.075) to size all trunks and branches

Return and first section of

supply trunk will be 20
diameter (1000 cfm
@ .075 w.c.
Second section of supply
trunk will be 16 diameter
(517 cfm @.075 w.c.)
Outlet C will be 8
diameter (107 cfm
@ .075 w.c.)

Size the remaining outlets

according to their CFM
@ .075 w.c.