CFM to CMH Calculator

Convert between CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and CMH (Cubic Meters per Hour) for air purifiers and HVAC systems. Essential for European and metric specifications.

Common in US HVAC and air purifier specifications

Metric unit for air flow rate

Quick Reference Table

CFMCMH (m³/h)Typical ApplicationRoom Size
100170Small bedroom purifier~11 m² / 120 ft²
200340Medium room purifier~22 m² / 240 ft²
300510Large room purifier~33 m² / 360 ft²
400680Living room/office~45 m² / 480 ft²
500850Commercial space~56 m² / 600 ft²

Understanding CFM vs CMH in Different Regions

North America (CFM)

  • CADR ratings typically shown in CFM
  • ASHRAE standards use CFM
  • Room sizes in square feet
  • Popular brands: Honeywell, Levoit, Coway

Europe & Asia (CMH/m³/h)

  • Air flow in m³/h standard
  • EN standards use CMH
  • Room sizes in square meters
  • Popular brands: Philips, Dyson, Xiaomi

Conversion Formula

CFM to CMH

CMH = CFM × 1.69901

Multiply CFM by 1.69901 to get cubic meters per hour

CMH to CFM

CFM = CMH × 0.58858

Multiply CMH by 0.58858 to get cubic feet per minute

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do European air purifiers use CMH instead of CFM?

Europe uses the metric system, where cubic meters per hour (m³/h or CMH) is the standard unit for measuring air flow. This aligns with room sizes measured in square meters and follows EN (European Norm) standards for HVAC and air purification systems.

How do I compare US and European air purifier specifications?

Use this calculator to convert between units. A good rule of thumb: 100 CFM ≈ 170 CMH. When shopping internationally, always check which unit is being used and convert to your familiar measurement system for accurate comparison.

What CMH do I need for my room?

For effective air purification, multiply your room volume (m³) by 5 to get the minimum CMH needed. For example, a 30m² room with 2.5m ceiling height (75m³) needs at least 375 CMH for 5 air changes per hour.

Do all countries in Europe use CMH?

Yes, all European Union countries and most other European nations use m³/h (CMH) as the standard. The UK traditionally used CFM but has largely transitioned to metric units. Always verify the units when purchasing air purifiers from different regions.