HVAC · Air side

1200 CFM needs a 16 in round duct

At the common 0.08 in. wc per 100 ft residential friction rate, galvanized steel, standard air. Every number here is computed from the ASHRAE / Manual D equal-friction duct model on each build, not looked up.

Field brief
1200 CFMneeds a 16 in round duct at 0.08 in. wc/100 ft, running about 859 fpm.16 in
RectangularSame airflow at the same friction: 30×8, 24×10, 16×14 in.30×8

1200 CFM duct sizing (0.08 in. wc/100 ft)

Computed from the ASHRAE / ACCA Manual D equal-friction model (Darcy-Weisbach with a Colebrook-White friction factor, galvanized roughness 0.0003 ft), galvanized steel, standard air.
PropertyValue
Airflow1200 CFM
Round size16 in
Velocity859 fpm
Friction0.064 in. wc/100 ft
Rectangular equivalents30×8, 24×10, 16×14

These are static reference figures at the residential design rate. For your own airflow and friction rate, run the interactive duct size calculator, or convert a shape with the round-to-rectangular converter.


FAQs

What size duct do I need for 1200 CFM?

1200 CFM needs a 16 in round duct at the common 0.08 in. wc per 100 ft friction rate (galvanized steel, standard air). That runs at about 859 fpm. Rectangular equivalents that carry the same airflow at the same friction are 30 by 8 in, 24 by 10 in, 16 by 14 in.

What is the rectangular equivalent for 1200 CFM?

30 by 8 in, 24 by 10 in, 16 by 14 in all share the equivalent diameter of the 16 in round, so they move 1200 CFM at the same friction. Use the round-to-rectangular converter to match any depth your space allows.

What friction rate is this based on?

0.08 in. wc per 100 ft, the standard residential design target that ACCA Manual D Appendix 3 tables assume. At a looser 0.10 in. wc per 100 ft you can often drop a size; your own rate is available static pressure times 100 divided by total effective length.