Pneumatic cylinder air consumption

Free-air consumption per cycle and per minute for a double-acting cylinder.

Calculating…

How it's calculated

Swept volume = (A_extend + A_retract) × stroke Free air = swept volume × (P + 1.013) ÷ 1.013

Compressors are rated in free air delivered (FAD), so this converts the compressed volume back to atmospheric. Add 10–20% for tubing dead volume and valve losses, and much more if tube runs are long.

Reducing pressure on the return stroke, or using a single-acting cylinder where possible, cuts consumption.