Ventilation Rates: ASHRAE 62.1, IMC, FBC, ASHRAE 170 and 62.2
How to use it
Review the methodology below to make sure it aligns with your project's requirements, then:
- Choose the standard or code: ASHRAE 62.1-2025, the 2024 IMC, the Florida Building Code, Mechanical (2023 or 2026 edition), ASHRAE 170-2021 for inpatient health care spaces, or ASHRAE 62.2-2025 for dwelling units.
- Choose the occupancy category or space. Type any part of its name, such as “exam” or “locker”, to narrow the list, or open the list to browse every entry under its heading.
- The table's rates for that space appear in the results, with the notes that apply.
- Optionally, enter the floor area (and, for ASHRAE 170, the ceiling height; for 62.2, the number of bedrooms) to turn the rates into airflow. For 62.1 and the IMC, enter the number of occupants if you know it; otherwise the table's default occupant density is used.
The calculator remembers your last entries in this browser. Use Copy link to these results to save or share a calculation.
Methodology
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, sets minimum ventilation rates for commercial and institutional buildings by occupancy category. This calculator uses the 2025 edition, and three of its tables:
- Table 6-1, Minimum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone: the people outdoor air rate Rp, the area outdoor air rate Ra, the default occupant density, the air class, whether the space may use occupied-standby (OS, Section 6.2.6.2), and the maximum CO2 above ambient, ΔC6.1, used for CO2-based demand-controlled ventilation. "NA" means the standard gives no CO2 limit for that space.
- Table E-1 (Normative Appendix E), outpatient health care: the same rates for outpatient spaces the authority having jurisdiction has deemed Standard 170 not to cover.
- Table 6-2, Minimum Exhaust Rates: exhaust per unit (per kitchen, toilet room, fixture or shower head), per floor area, or both, and the air class. The requirements tied to particular spaces (auto repair, parking garages, commercial kitchens, laboratories, toilets) are shown with the result, with their section numbers.
The 2025 edition changed more than its layout. It lowered the default occupant density for many spaces (restaurant dining 70 to 67, casinos 120 to 91, beauty and nail salons 25 to 7, for example), cut science laboratory exhaust from 1.00 to 0.35 cfm/ft², added rows such as educational corridors and information technology equipment rooms and a Residential heading, renamed others, and replaced Table 6-2's lettered notes with continuous and intermittent rates and requirements in Section 6.5. Paint spray booths and refrigerating machinery rooms moved to Table 6-3 (airstreams), which gives only an air class.
A dash (—) is the standard's "not applicable". The metric rates are the standard's own metric values, which are rounded, not exact conversions of the inch-pound values.
Breathing-zone outdoor airflow
The Ventilation Rate Procedure's breathing-zone outdoor airflow (Equation 6-1) is
Vbz = Rp × Pz + Ra × Az
where:
- Vbz = breathing-zone outdoor airflow, cfm (L/s)
- Rp = people outdoor air rate, cfm/person (L/s·person)
- Pz = zone population, the largest number of people expected to occupy the zone in typical usage
- Ra = area outdoor air rate, cfm/ft² (L/s·m²)
- Az = zone floor area, ft² (m²)
Where the population is not known, Pz is the default occupant density times the floor area: per 1,000 ft², or per 100 m².
Vbz is the breathing-zone requirement only. The zone and system outdoor air intake also depend on the zone air distribution effectiveness and the system ventilation efficiency, which this calculator does not apply.
Exhaust
The minimum exhaust depends on the category and may be given per unit, per floor area, or both. Where a rate is given per floor area, the calculator multiplies it by the zone's floor area. Dwelling-unit kitchens, shower rooms and toilets have two per-unit rates, shown as a pair such as 50/70 cfm: the first for continuous operation, the second for intermittent operation, which is intended to run whenever the space is in use.
Worked examples
Retail, pet shop (animal areas), 2,000 ft². Table 6-1 gives Rp = 7.5 cfm/person, Ra = 0.18 cfm/ft², a default density of 10 people per 1,000 ft² and air class 2.
- Pz = 2,000 ft² × 10 / 1,000 ft² = 20 people
- Vbz = 7.5 × 20 + 0.18 × 2,000 = 150 + 360 = 510 cfm
Table 6-2 gives 0.90 cfm/ft², air class 2, so the minimum exhaust is 0.90 × 2,000 = 1,800 cfm.
Office space, 5,000 ft². Table 6-1 gives Rp = 5 cfm/person, Ra = 0.06 cfm/ft², a default density of 5 people per 1,000 ft², air class 1, occupied-standby allowed and a maximum CO2 of 600 ppm above ambient.
- Pz = 5,000 ft² × 5 / 1,000 ft² = 25 people
- Vbz = 5 × 25 + 0.06 × 5,000 = 125 + 300 = 425 cfm
Soiled laundry storage room, 500 ft². Table 6-2 gives 1.00 cfm/ft² and air class 3, so the minimum exhaust is 1.00 × 500 = 500 cfm.
Air classes
The standard classes air by its contaminant concentration, sensory-irritation intensity and odor, and limits where each class may be recirculated or transferred:
- Class 1: low contaminant concentration, low sensory-irritation intensity and inoffensive odor.
- Class 2: moderate contaminant concentration, mild sensory-irritation intensity or mildly offensive odors.
- Class 3: significant contaminant concentration, significant sensory-irritation intensity or offensive odor.
- Class 4: highly objectionable fumes or gases, or potentially dangerous particles, bioaerosols or gases.
Considerations
- Actual occupancy. The default densities are for when the actual occupancy is not known. Use the design occupancy when you have it.
- Supply and exhaust. Some spaces have both a Table 6-1 ventilation rate and a Table 6-2 exhaust rate; the results show both.
- Outpatient health care. These rates are from Normative Appendix E of Standard 62.1-2025, for spaces in outpatient facilities the authority having jurisdiction has deemed ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170 not to cover. The dental rates are intended only for outpatient dental clinics where the amount of nitrous oxide is limited, not for dental operatories in institutional buildings where nitrous oxide is piped.
- Airborne infection. The standard notes that the outpatient rates provide for acceptable indoor air quality; they do not address the airborne transmission of viruses, bacteria and other infectious contagions.
- Laboratories and animal facilities. Laboratories that comply with ANSI/ASSP Z9.5, and animal facilities with a risk evaluation by the owner's environmental health and safety professional, need not meet the Table 6-1 and 6-2 rates (Sections 6.2.1.1.4 and 6.2.1.1.5).
- Codes. This is for education and reference. Always consult the complete ASHRAE Standard 62.1, the edition your code adopts, and the applicable local codes for design and compliance.
Other standards and codes
2024 IMC and the Florida Building Code, Mechanical
The International Mechanical Code sets its own minimum ventilation rates in Table 403.3.1.1, with the same breathing-zone equation as ASHRAE 62.1 (IMC Equation 4-1): Vbz = Rp × Pz + Ra × Az. The table also gives the exhaust rate for each occupancy, per square foot of floor area or, where a note says so, per room or per fixture. The IMC's categories and some rates differ from ASHRAE 62.1, so use the table your jurisdiction has adopted.
Florida adopts the IMC with amendments as the Florida Building Code, Mechanical. The 2026 Ninth Edition (based on the 2024 IMC) has the same Table 403.3.1.1 values as the 2024 IMC. The 2023 Eighth Edition (based on the 2021 IMC) has fewer categories: it has no animal facilities or outpatient health care rows, for example. The IMC and FBC tables are in inch-pound units only.
ASHRAE 170-2021, inpatient health care
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, sets design parameters for each space in Table 7-1: the pressure relationship to adjacent areas, the minimum outdoor and total air changes per hour, whether all room air must be exhausted directly outdoors, whether room recirculating units are allowed, unoccupied turndown, minimum filter efficiency, and the design relative humidity and temperature. Given the floor area and ceiling height, the calculator converts the air change rates to airflow:
Q = ach × room volume / 60, in cfm (ft³), or ach × room volume / 3.6, in L/s (m³)
The notes shown with each space are short summaries. Read the full note in the standard before relying on it. Outpatient spaces (Table 8-1) and residential health care (Table 9-1) are not included.
ASHRAE 62.2-2025, dwelling units
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings, sets the continuous whole-dwelling ventilation rate (Equation 4-1):
Qtot = 0.03 Afloor + 7.5 (Nbr + 1), in cfm, with Afloor in ft²; or 0.15 Afloor + 3.5 (Nbr + 1), in L/s, with Afloor in m²
where Nbr is the number of bedrooms, not less than 1. For example, a 2,000 ft² three-bedroom house needs 0.03 × 2,000 + 7.5 × 4 = 90 cfm. The standard also sets local exhaust for kitchens, bathrooms and toilet rooms (Tables 5-1 and 5-2), shown with the result. Its infiltration credit (Section 4.1.2), which needs a blower door test, is not applied.
Table 6-1: Minimum ventilation rates in breathing zone
From ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2025. A blank cell is one the standard leaves blank.
| Occupancy category | Rp cfm/person | Rp L/s·person | Ra cfm/ft² | Ra L/s·m² | Default density, #/1,000 ft² (#/100 m²) | Air class | OS (6.2.6.2) | Max. CO2 above ambient, ppm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Facilities-Animal exam room (veterinary office) | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 20 | 2 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal imaging (MRI/CT/PET) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal operating rooms | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal postoperative recovery room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal preparation rooms | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal procedure room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Animal surgery scrub | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Large-animal holding room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Necropsy | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Small-animal-cage room (static cages) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Animal Facilities-Small-animal-cage room (ventilated cages) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 | NA | |
| Correctional Facilities-Booking/waiting | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 50 | 2 | 1200 | |
| Correctional Facilities-Cell | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 25 | 2 | NA | |
| Correctional Facilities-Dayroom | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 30 | 1 | 1500 | |
| Correctional Facilities-Guard stations | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 15 | 1 | 1200 | |
| Educational Facilities-Art classroom | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 2 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-Assembly without fixed seats—concentrated (chairs only—fixed) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 65 | 1 | ✓ | 1200 |
| Educational Facilities-Classrooms (ages 5 to 8) | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 25 | 1 | 600 | |
| Educational Facilities-Classrooms (age 9+) | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 35 | 1 | 600 | |
| Educational Facilities-Corridors (ages 5+) | — | — | 0.12 | 0.6 | — | 1 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-Daycare sickroom | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 25 | 3 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-Daycare (through age 4) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 25 | 2 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-Information technology equipment facilities (occupiable) | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 25 | 1 | 600 | |
| Educational Facilities-Lecture hall (fixed seats) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 143 | 1 | ✓ | 1200 |
| Educational Facilities-Libraries | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 10 | 600 | ||
| Educational Facilities-Media center | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 25 | 1 | 600 | |
| Educational Facilities-Multiuse assembly (tables and chairs) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 67 | 1 | ✓ | 1200 |
| Educational Facilities-Music/theater/dance | 10 | 5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 35 | 1 | ✓ | 2100 |
| Educational Facilities-Science laboratories | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 25 | 2 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-University/college laboratories | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 25 | 2 | NA | |
| Educational Facilities-Wood/metal shop | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 2 | NA | |
| Food and Beverage Service-Bars, cocktail lounges | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 100 | 2 | 1200 | |
| Food and Beverage Service-Cafeteria/fast-food dining | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 67 | 2 | 900 | |
| Food and Beverage Service-Kitchen (cooking) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 5 | 2 | NA | |
| Food and Beverage Service-Restaurant dining rooms | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 67 | 2 | 1500 | |
| General-Break rooms | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 25 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| General-Coffee stations | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 1 | ✓ | 1200 |
| General-Conference/meeting | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 50 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| General-Corridors | — | — | 0.06 | 0.3 | — | 1 | ✓ | NA |
| General-Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gels | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 2 | 2 | NA | |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Barracks sleeping areas | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 1 | ✓ | 900 |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Bedroom/living room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 10 | 1 | ✓ | 600 |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Laundry rooms, central | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 10 | 2 | NA | |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Laundry rooms within dwelling units | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 10 | 1 | NA | |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Lobbies/prefunction | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 30 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories-Multipurpose assembly | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 120 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Banks or bank lobbies | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 15 | 1 | ✓ | 900 |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Bank vaults/safe deposit | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 5 | 2 | ✓ | 600 |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Freezer and refrigerated spaces (<50°F [10°C]) | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | NA | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Information technology equipment facilities (occupiable) | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 3 | 1 | ✓ | NA |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Manufacturing where hazardous materials are not used | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 7 | 2 | 600 | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Manufacturing where hazardous materials are used (excludes heavy industrial and chemical processes) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 7 | 3 | NA | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Pharmacy (prep. area) | 5 | 2.5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 10 | 2 | 900 | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Photo studios | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 10 | 1 | NA | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Shipping/receiving | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 2 | 2 | 700 | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Sorting, packing, light assembly | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 7 | 2 | 900 | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Telephone closets | — | — | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | NA | |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Transportation waiting | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 67 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Miscellaneous Spaces-Warehouses | 10 | 5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | — | 2 | 700 | |
| Office Buildings-Main entry lobbies | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 10 | 1 | ✓ | 1200 |
| Office Buildings-Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 2 | 1 | 700 | |
| Office Buildings-Office space | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 5 | 1 | ✓ | 600 |
| Office Buildings-Reception areas | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 30 | 1 | ✓ | 2100 |
| Office Buildings-Telephone/data entry | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 60 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Auditorium seating area | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 143 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Courtrooms | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 70 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Legislative chambers | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 50 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Libraries | 5 | 2.5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 10 | 1 | 600 | |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Lobbies | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 150 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Museums (children’s) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 40 | 1 | 1800 | |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Museums/galleries | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 33 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Public Assembly Spaces-Places of religious worship | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 120 | 1 | ✓ | 1800 |
| Residential-Common corridors | — | — | 0.06 | 0.3 | 1 | ✓ | NA | |
| Retail-Sales (except as below) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 15 | 2 | 900 | |
| Retail-Barbershop | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 7 | 2 | ✓ | NA |
| Retail-Beauty and nail salons | 20 | 10 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 7 | 2 | NA | |
| Retail-Coin-operated laundries | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 7 | 2 | NA | |
| Retail-Mall common areas | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 33 | 1 | ✓ | 2100 |
| Retail-Pet shops (animal areas) | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 10 | 2 | NA | |
| Retail-Supermarket | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 8 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Sports and Entertainment-Bowling alley (seating) | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 40 | 1 | 900 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Disco/dance floors | 20 | 10 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 100 | 2 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Sports and Entertainment-Gambling casinos | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 91 | 1 | 1200 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Game arcades | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 1 | 900 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Gym, sports arena (play area) | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 7 | 2 | 900 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Health club/aerobics room | 20 | 10 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 2 | 1200 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Health club/weight rooms | 20 | 10 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 10 | 2 | 1500 | |
| Sports and Entertainment-Spectator areas | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 143 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Sports and Entertainment-Stages, studios | 10 | 5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 67 | 1 | ✓ | 1500 |
| Sports and Entertainment-Swimming (pool and deck) | — | — | 0.48 | 2.4 | — | 2 | NA |
Table E-1: Outpatient health care facilities
From ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2025, Normative Appendix E, for outpatient spaces the authority having jurisdiction has deemed Standard 170 not to cover.
| Occupancy category | Rp cfm/person | Rp L/s·person | Ra cfm/ft² | Ra L/s·m² | Default density, #/1,000 ft² (#/100 m²) | Air class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birthing room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 15 | 2 |
| Class 1 imaging rooms | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 |
| Dental operatory | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 1 |
| General examination room | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 20 | 1 |
| Other dental treatment areas | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 5 | 1 |
| Physical therapy exercise area | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 7 | 2 |
| Physical therapy individual room | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 20 | 2 |
| Physical therapeutic pool area | — | — | 0.48 | 2.4 | — | 3 |
| Prosthetics and orthotics room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 2 |
| Psychiatric consultation room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 1 |
| Psychiatric examination room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 1 |
| Psychiatric group room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 50 | 1 |
| Psychiatric seclusion room | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 |
| Speech therapy room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 1 |
| Urgent care examination room | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 20 | 2 |
| Urgent care observation room | 5 | 2.5 | 0.06 | 0.3 | 20 | 2 |
| Urgent care treatment room | 7.5 | 3.8 | 0.12 | 0.6 | 20 | 2 |
| Urgent care triage room | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | 0.9 | 20 | 3 |
Table 6-2: Minimum exhaust rates
From ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2025. A pair such as 50/100 is the continuous / intermittent operation rate.
| Occupancy category | cfm/unit | cfm/ft² | L/s·unit | L/s·m² | Air class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Facilities-Animal imaging (MRI/CT/PET) | — | 0.9 | — | 4.5 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Animal operating rooms | — | 3 | — | 15 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Animal postoperative recovery room | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Animal preparation rooms | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Animal procedure room | — | 2.25 | — | 11.3 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Animal surgery scrub | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Large-animal holding room | — | 2.25 | — | 11.3 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Necropsy | — | 2.25 | — | 11.3 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Small-animal-cage room (static cages) | — | 2.25 | — | 11.3 | 3 |
| Animal Facilities-Small-animal-cage room (ventilated cages) | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 3 |
| Arenas | — | 0.5 | — | — | 1 |
| Educational Facilities-Art classroom | — | 0.7 | — | 3.5 | 2 |
| Auto repair rooms | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 2 |
| Retail-Barbershop | — | 0.5 | — | 2.5 | 2 |
| Retail-Beauty and nail salons | — | 0.6 | — | 3 | 2 |
| Correctional Facilities-Cell | — | 1 | — | 5 | 2 |
| Copy, printing rooms | — | 0.5 | — | 2.5 | 2 |
| Darkrooms | — | 1 | — | 5 | 2 |
| Dwelling-unit kitchens | 50/100 | — | 25/50 | — | 2 |
| Janitor closets, trash rooms, recycling | — | 1 | — | 5 | 3 |
| Kitchenettes | — | 0.3 | — | 1.5 | 2 |
| Kitchens—commercial | — | 0.7 | — | 3.5 | 2 |
| Locker rooms for athletic, industrial, and health care facilities | — | 0.5 | — | 2.5 | 2 |
| All other locker rooms | — | 0.25 | — | 1.25 | 2 |
| Shower rooms per shower head | 20/50 | — | 10/25 | — | 2 |
| Parking garages | — | 0.75 | — | 3.7 | 2 |
| Retail-Pet shops (animal areas) | — | 0.9 | — | 4.5 | 2 |
| Educational Facilities-Science laboratories | — | 0.35 | — | 1.75 | 2 |
| Soiled laundry storage rooms | — | 1 | — | 5 | 3 |
| Storage rooms, chemical | — | 1.5 | — | 7.5 | 4 |
| Toilets—private (one person) | 25/50 | — | 12.5/25 | — | 2 |
| Toilets—public (>1 person) per fixture (water closet or urinal) | 50/70 | — | 25/35 | — | 2 |
| Woodwork shop/classrooms | — | 0.5 | — | 2.5 | 2 |
2024 IMC Table 403.3.1.1: Minimum ventilation rates
From the 2024 International Mechanical Code (also the 2026 Florida Building Code, Mechanical, Ninth Edition). Exhaust rates are cfm/ft² unless a note (e, f) makes them per fixture or per room.
| Occupancy classification | Notes | Occupant density, #/1,000 ft² | Rp cfm/person | Ra cfm/ft² | Exhaust, cfm/ft² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal facilities: Animal exam room (veterinary office) | 20 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Animal facilities: Animal imaging (MR/CT/PET) | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 0.9 | |
| Animal facilities: Animal operating rooms | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 3 | |
| Animal facilities: Animal postoperative recovery room | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 1.5 | |
| Animal facilities: Animal preparation rooms | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 1.5 | |
| Animal facilities: Animal procedure room | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 2.25 | |
| Animal facilities: Animal surgery scrub | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 1.5 | |
| Animal facilities: Large-animal holding room | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 2.25 | |
| Animal facilities: Necropsy | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 2.25 | |
| Animal facilities: Small-animal cage room (static cages) | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 2.25 | |
| Animal facilities: Small-animal cage room (ventilated cages) | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 1.5 | |
| Correctional facilities: Booking/waiting | 50 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Correctional facilities: Cells, without plumbing fixtures | 25 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Correctional facilities: Cells, with plumbing fixtures | g | 25 | 5 | 0.12 | 1 |
| Correctional facilities: Day room | 30 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Correctional facilities: Guard stations | 15 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Dry cleaners, laundries: Coin-operated dry cleaner | 20 | 15 | — | — | |
| Dry cleaners, laundries: Coin-operated laundries | 20 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Dry cleaners, laundries: Commercial dry cleaner | 30 | 30 | — | — | |
| Dry cleaners, laundries: Commercial laundry | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Dry cleaners, laundries: Storage, pick up | 30 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Education: Art classroom | g | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 0.7 |
| Education: Auditoriums | 150 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Education: Classrooms (ages 5–8) | 25 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Education: Classrooms (age 9 plus) | 35 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Education: Computer lab | 25 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Education: Day care (through age 4) | 25 | 10 | 0.18 | — | |
| Education: Lecture classroom | 65 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Education: Lecture hall (fixed seats) | 150 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Education: Locker/dressing rooms | g | — | — | — | 0.25 |
| Education: Media center | 25 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Education: Multiuse assembly | 100 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Education: Music/theater/dance | 35 | 10 | 0.06 | — | |
| Education: Science laboratories | g | 25 | 10 | 0.18 | 1 |
| Education: Smoking lounges | b | 70 | 60 | — | — |
| Education: Sports locker rooms | g | — | — | — | 0.5 |
| Education: Wood/metal shops | g | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | 0.5 |
| Food and beverage service: Bars, cocktail lounges | 100 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Break rooms | 25 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Cafeteria, fast food | 100 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Coffee stations | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Corridors | — | — | 0.06 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Dining rooms | 70 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Food and beverage service: Kitchens (cooking) | b | 20 | 7.5 | 0.12 | 0.7 |
| Food and beverage service: Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gels | 2 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Bathrooms/toilet—private | g, f | — | — | — | 25/50 |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Bedroom/living room | 10 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Conference/meeting | 50 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Dormitory sleeping areas | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Gambling casinos | 120 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Laundry rooms, central | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Laundry rooms within dwelling units | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Lobbies/prefunction | 30 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Hotels, motels, resorts and dormitories: Multipurpose assembly | 120 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Break rooms | 50 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Offices: Conference rooms | 50 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Main entry lobbies | 10 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials | 2 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Office spaces | 5 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Reception areas | 30 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Offices: Telephone/data entry | 60 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Birthing room | i, j | 15 | 10 | 0.18 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Class 1 imaging room | i, j | 5 | 5 | 0.12 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Dental operatory | i, j, k | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: General examination room | i, j | 20 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Other dental treatment areas | i, j | 5 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Physical therapy exercise area | i, j | 7 | 20 | 0.18 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Physical therapy individual room | i, j | 20 | 10 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Physical therapeutic pool area | i, j | — | — | 0.48 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Prosthetics and orthotics room | i, j | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Psychiatric consultation room | i, j | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Psychiatric examination room | i, j | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Psychiatric group room | i, j | 50 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Psychiatric seclusion room | i, j | 5 | 10 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Speech therapy room | i, j | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Urgent care examination room | i, j | 20 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Urgent care observation room | i, j | 20 | 5 | 0.06 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Urgent care treatment room | i, j | 20 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — |
| Outpatient healthcare facilities: Urgent care triage room | i, j | 20 | 10 | 0.18 | — |
| Private dwellings, single and multiple: Garages, common for multiple units | b | — | — | — | 0.75 |
| Private dwellings, single and multiple: Kitchens | b, f | — | — | — | 50/100 |
| Private dwellings, single and multiple: Living areas | c | Based on number of bedrooms. First bedroom, 2; each additional bedroom, 1 | 0.35 ACH but not less than 15 cfm/person | — | — |
| Private dwellings, single and multiple: Toilet rooms and bathrooms | g, f | — | — | — | 25/50 |
| Public spaces: Corridors | — | — | 0.06 | — | |
| Public spaces: Courtrooms | 70 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Public spaces: Elevator car | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Public spaces: Legislative chambers | 50 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Public spaces: Libraries | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Public spaces: Museums (children’s) | 40 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Public spaces: Museums/galleries | 40 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Public spaces: Places of religious worship | 120 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Public spaces: Room with adult changing station | e | — | — | — | 50/70 |
| Public spaces: Shower room (per shower head) | g, f | — | — | — | 50/20 |
| Public spaces: Smoking lounges | b | 70 | 60 | — | — |
| Public spaces: Toilet rooms — public | g, e | — | — | — | 50/70 |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Dressing rooms | — | — | — | 0.25 | |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Mall common areas | 40 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Sales | 15 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Shipping and receiving | 2 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Smoking lounges | b | 70 | 60 | — | — |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Storage rooms | — | — | 0.12 | — | |
| Retail stores, sales floors and showroom floors: Warehouses (see “Storage”) | — | 10 | 0.06 | — | |
| Specialty shops: Automotive motor fuel-dispensing stations | b | — | — | — | 1.5 |
| Specialty shops: Banks or lobbies | 15 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Specialty shops: Barber | 25 | 7.5 | 0.06 | 0.5 | |
| Specialty shops: Beauty salons | b | 25 | 20 | 0.12 | 0.6 |
| Specialty shops: Embalming room | b | — | — | — | 2 |
| Specialty shops: Nail salons | b, h | 25 | 20 | 0.12 | 0.6 |
| Specialty shops: Pet shops (animal areas) | b | 10 | 7.5 | 0.18 | 0.9 |
| Specialty shops: Supermarkets | 8 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Bowling alleys (seating areas) | 40 | 10 | 0.12 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Disco/dance floors | 100 | 20 | 0.06 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Game arcades | 20 | 7.5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Gym, stadium, arena (play area) | 7 | 20 | 0.18 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Health club/aerobics room | 40 | 20 | 0.06 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Health club/weight room | 10 | 20 | 0.06 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Ice arenas without combustion engines | — | — | 0.3 | 0.5 | |
| Sports and amusement: Spectator areas | 150 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Sports and amusement: Swimming pools (pool and deck area) | — | — | 0.48 | — | |
| Storage: Refrigerated warehouses/freezers (< 50°F) | — | 10 | — | — | |
| Storage: Repair garages, enclosed parking garages | b, d | — | — | — | 0.75 |
| Storage: Warehouses | l | — | 10 | 0.06 | — |
| Theaters: Lobbies | 150 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Theaters: Stages, studios | 70 | 10 | 0.06 | — | |
| Theaters: Ticket booths | 60 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Transportation: Platforms | 100 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Transportation: Transportation waiting | 100 | 7.5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Workrooms: Bank vaults/safe deposit | 5 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Workrooms: Computer (without printing) | 4 | 5 | 0.06 | — | |
| Workrooms: Copy, printing rooms | 4 | 5 | 0.06 | 0.5 | |
| Workrooms: Darkrooms | — | — | — | 1 | |
| Workrooms: Manufacturing where hazardous materials are not used | 7 | 10 | 0.18 | — | |
| Workrooms: Manufacturing where hazardous materials are used (excludes heavy industrial and chemical processes) | 7 | 10 | 0.18 | — | |
| Workrooms: Meat processing | c | 10 | 15 | — | — |
| Workrooms: Pharmacy (prep. area) | 10 | 5 | 0.18 | — | |
| Workrooms: Photo studios | 10 | 5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Workrooms: Sorting, packing, light assembly | 7 | 7.5 | 0.12 | — | |
| Workrooms: Telephone closets | — | — | 0 | — |
References
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2025: Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE.
International Code Council (ICC). 2024 International Mechanical Code, Chapter 4: Ventilation.
Florida Building Commission. 2023 Florida Building Code, Mechanical, Eighth Edition and 2026 Florida Building Code, Mechanical, Ninth Edition, Chapter 4.
ASHRAE and ASHE. ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2021: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE.
ASHRAE. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2025: Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE.