This chart lists typical compressed-air demand for common shop, auto, and paint tools at about 90 PSI — with duty-cycle class and a recommended compressor delivery multiplier. Use it when you need every tool visible at once; use the per-tool calculator when you want one selection with a written duty note.
How to Read the Table
Typical SCFM @ 90 PSI is a planning midpoint from common manufacturer ranges (impact, ratchet, nailer, HVLP, sander, plasma, blast orifice charts). Individual models vary — always confirm the datasheet for purchase-critical sizing.
Duty class separates intermittent trigger tools from continuous orifice tools. Recommended delivery applies the same multipliers used in the calculator (about 1.2–1.3× intermittent, 1.5× continuous) so continuous tools are not undersized the way burst tools often can be.
These rows are not a substitute for adding simultaneous loads. If two continuous tools can run together, add their recommended delivery figures (or use the multi-tool CFM calculator).
Per-Tool CFM @ 90 PSI Reference
| Tool | Typical SCFM @ ~90 PSI | Duty class | Multiplier | Recommended delivery SCFM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" Impact Wrench | 4.0 | Intermittent | 1.25× | 5.0 |
| 3/4" Impact Wrench | 8.0 | Intermittent | 1.25× | 10.0 |
| 3/8" Air Ratchet | 3.0 | Intermittent | 1.25× | 3.8 |
| Framing Nailer | 2.2 | Intermittent | 1.2× | 2.6 |
| Finish / Brad Nailer | 0.8 | Intermittent | 1.2× | 1.0 |
| HVLP Spray Gun | 12.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 18.0 |
| Conventional Spray Gun | 8.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 12.0 |
| Die Grinder | 5.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 7.5 |
| Dual-Action Orbital Sander | 8.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 12.0 |
| 4-1/2" Air Angle Grinder | 6.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 9.0 |
| Air Cut-Off Tool | 5.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 7.5 |
| Plasma Cutter (air supply) | 6.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 9.0 |
| Sandblaster / Blast Cabinet | 15.0 | Continuous | 1.5× | 22.5 |
| Blow Gun / Air Nozzle | 2.5 | Intermittent | 1.2× | 3.0 |
| Needle Scaler | 4.0 | Intermittent | 1.3× | 5.2 |
| Air Hammer / Chipping Hammer | 6.0 | Intermittent | 1.3× | 7.8 |
Cabinet marketing CFM is meaningless without orifice size. Stepping from a small nozzle to a #4–#5 class tip can jump demand into the teens or twenties of SCFM at 90 PSI.
What the Numbers Do Not Include
Hose pressure drop, leak losses, altitude derate, and dirty filters all steal usable CFM at the tool. A compressor that “matches” the table on paper can still starve an HVLP gun through 50 feet of 1/4" hose. Measure at the tool when paint quality or plasma cut quality is on the line.
Plasma cutters also publish minimum pressure and quality requirements for dry air — see the plasma compressor sizing guide. Architecture for continuous duty: Rotary Screw vs Piston.
Using Chart + Calculator Together
Scan this table to compare tools side by side (for example, why a DA sander outranks a 1/2" impact on sustained demand). Then open the calculator for the duty-cycle paragraph and PDF cheat sheet for a single tool decision. For combined loads and tank/runtime planning, stay on the Air Compressor Tools Hub.
Interactive lookup Select one tool for SCFM, duty class, and recommended delivery CFM.
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