Compressed Air Leak Cost Calculator
See how much air and fuel an unrepaired leak wastes, and what it costs per year.
How much does a compressed air leak cost?
Air leaks cost fuel because the compressor has to make up the lost air. Leak size and pressure set the flow, and the engine burns fuel in proportion to the share of output you lose.
Example: one 3 mm leak at 100 psi loses about 22.524 CFM. On a 176 CFM compressor that is about 13% of its output, burning fuel for air nobody uses.
Typical leak flow at 100 psi
| Hole size | Air lost (CFM) |
|---|---|
| 1 mm | 2.503 |
| 2 mm | 10.011 |
| 3 mm | 22.524 |
| 5 mm | 62.567 |
| 6.35 mm | 100.91 |
| 10 mm | 250.27 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a compressed air leak cost per year?
It depends on hole size, pressure, running hours and fuel price. Use the calculator above. As a guide, a single 3 mm leak at 100 psi wastes about 22.524 CFM.
How do I find air leaks?
Listen with the compressor running and the tools off, brush soapy water on joints and couplings, or use an ultrasonic leak detector. Check hoses, couplings, quick-connects and regulators first.
How much air does a 1/8 inch leak waste?
A 3 mm (about 1/8 inch) hole at 100 psi loses about 22.524 CFM.
Is it worth fixing small leaks?
Yes. Leaks run all the time the compressor does, so small holes add up to a lot of fuel over a year.
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