GARAGE CALCS FOR THE HOME BUILDER

Turbo pressure ratio and airflow calculator

The two numbers you need to read a compressor map: how hard the compressor has to squeeze (pressure ratio) and how much air it has to move (lb/min) for your horsepower goal.

Free, no sign-upUpdated September 2026
Your numbers
Target
Assumptions
Pressure lost through the filter and inlet.
Around 11.5 to 12.5 on boosted gasoline.

Pressure ratio

Plot this on the vertical axis of the compressor map.
Airflow
Airflow in cfm (standard air)
Air pressure at your altitude

The two compressor map numbers

Pressure ratio = (boost + atmospheric) ÷ (atmospheric − intake restriction)
Airflow (lb/min) = horsepower × air-fuel ratio × BSFC ÷ 60

Pressure ratio compares the air leaving the compressor to the air entering it. Any restriction in the air filter and inlet lowers the entering pressure, which is why it's subtracted. Airflow comes from how much fuel the engine burns (horsepower × BSFC) multiplied by how much air goes with each pound of fuel.

Find where your pressure ratio and airflow meet on the map. You want that point inside the efficient islands and away from the surge line on the left.

Method follows Garrett's published guidance on reading compressor maps.