GARAGE CALCS FOR THE HOME BUILDER

Cylinder head flow to horsepower calculator

How much power a set of heads can support, based on their intake port flow. Useful when comparing heads, as long as you remember it's a ceiling, not a promise.

Free, no sign-upUpdated September 2026
Your numbers
Flow bench numbers
Most published figures are at 28 in.

Horsepower potential

The most the heads can support in a well-matched combination.
Flow corrected to 28 in
Per cylinder

The rule of thumb

Horsepower potential ≈ peak intake flow (cfm at 28 in H₂O) × 0.257 × cylinders

This widely used rule, popularized by engine builder David Vizard, reflects how much air a two-valve naturally aspirated engine needs per horsepower. It gives a realistic upper limit for a well-developed combination.

Different test pressures

Flow at 28 in = measured flow × √(28 ÷ test pressure)

Flow benches are sometimes run at 10 or 25 inches of water instead of 28. Airflow rises with the square root of pressure, so the calculator corrects to 28 in first. Compare heads using figures from the same bench whenever you can.