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Required flow

Cylinder Flow Requirement Calculator

Calculate the free-air flow required to hit a target stroke time for pneumatic cylinder extension and retraction.

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Required flow

Run the calculation

Calculate the free-air flow required to hit a target stroke time for pneumatic cylinder extension and retraction.

Engineering inputsCylinder Flow Requirement Calculator

Enter the known application values. Outputs update instantly as units or assumptions change.

Pressure unit
Use these values for preliminary sizing before final datasheet review.

Engineering visual

Cylinder Flow Requirement Calculator calculation map

The sketch links airflow into the cap and rod chambers with piston travel, stroke distance, velocity, and elapsed cycle time.

Cylinder Flow Requirement Calculator calculation mapThe sketch links airflow into the cap and rod chambers with piston travel, stroke distance, velocity, and elapsed cycle time.AIRFLOW QSTROKE SVELOCITY vSTARTPOSITION AT t
  1. 01Bore diameter
  2. 02Calculate and compare
  3. 03Extend flow
Extend required flow
Retract required flow
Higher flow side
Air per full cycle

Calculation reference

What this tool checks.

The required flow is expressed as free-air demand so it can be compared with valve and compressor references.

Inputs

  • Bore diameter
  • Rod diameter
  • Stroke length
  • Target stroke time
  • Working pressure

Outputs

  • Extend flow
  • Retract flow
  • Controlling flow
  • Air per full cycle

Engineering guide

Use the result with the right context.

Calculate cylinder flow requirement calculator from application data and interpret the result for preliminary pneumatic engineering review.

Calculation workflow

  1. Enter the known application values, including Bore diameter, Rod diameter, Stroke length.

  2. Run the calculation using one consistent set of units and reference conditions.

  3. Review Extend flow, Retract flow, Controlling flow, then compare the result with the component datasheet and application margin.

Assumptions and limits

  • Use gauge pressure at the actuator and account separately for downstream back pressure.

  • Confirm mounting, side load, cushioning, duty cycle, and catalog limits before final cylinder selection.

FAQ

Common review questions.

01Tool noteIs required cylinder flow the same as compressor size?

Not exactly. Required cylinder flow is a point-of-use demand. Compressor sizing also considers simultaneous actuators, duty cycle, receiver storage, leakage, and reserve margin.

02Tool noteWhy compare extend and retract flow?

The two sides of a double-acting cylinder have different effective areas. The higher side usually drives valve and tubing review.

03Tool noteWhat should I verify after using the Cylinder Flow Requirement Calculator?

Check the entered units and reference conditions, then compare the calculated outputs with manufacturer ratings, application safety margins, transient loads, installation losses, and measured machine performance.