HVAC · Problem-solving calculator
Cooling Load Calculator
Create a preliminary sensible cooling-load estimate from floor area, load intensity, occupants, equipment, and an adjustment factor.
- Free to use
- Runs in your browser
- Level B · Industry formula
- Last reviewed 2026-08-16
Calculator guide
What this calculator helps you solve
Create a preliminary sensible cooling-load estimate from floor area, load intensity, occupants, equipment, and an adjustment factor.
Inputs explained
- Conditioned area (sq ft) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Base design load (BTU/h per sq ft) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Occupants above baseline — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Internal equipment load (watts) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Additional design adjustment (%) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
Formula and methodology
Worked example
For 2,500 sq ft at 20 BTU/h·ft², 8 additional occupants, 2,500 W of equipment, and a 10% adjustment, preliminary load is about 69,700 BTU/h or 5.8 tons.
How to interpret the result
This is a scenario/planning estimate, not a substitute for a code-compliant Manual J, commercial load calculation, or professional HVAC design.
What to keep in mind
- Actual cooling loads depend on climate, envelope, windows, infiltration, ventilation, latent load, schedules, orientation, and many other factors.
- Do not size installed HVAC equipment solely from this simplified estimate.
Review approach
This calculator uses deterministic arithmetic and performs the calculation locally in your browser. Its value comes from combining multiple operational inputs into a decision-oriented result rather than returning a one-line conversion.
Review standard: Level B · Industry formula. How calculator reviews work.
Frequently asked questions
What decision can this calculator support?
This is a scenario/planning estimate, not a substitute for a code-compliant Manual J, commercial load calculation, or professional HVAC design.
How is the result calculated?
Cooling Load = Area × Design Load Intensity + Occupant Load + Equipment Load, adjusted by Design Factor.
Are the assumptions universal?
No. Operational, regulatory, technical, and industry assumptions vary. Use values that apply to your situation and verify professional or regulatory requirements where relevant.
Does CalculateMeasure store the values I enter?
The calculation runs in your browser and does not require sending the entered calculator values to a server to produce the result.