Lung Capacity Calculator

Your details

Volumes mode: enter IRV, TV, ERV and RV to get all four capacities. Predicted mode: enter demographics to get reference FVC and FEV1.
The extra volume you can inhale beyond a normal breath. Typical adult value: 2-3.5 L.
L
Volume moved with each normal, relaxed breath at rest. Typical adult value: 0.4-0.6 L.
L
The additional volume you can force out after a normal exhale. Typical adult value: 0.7-1.2 L.
L
Air remaining in lungs after a maximal exhalation; cannot be measured by spirometry alone. Typical adult value: 1.0-1.5 L.
L
Total Lung Capacity (TLC)Within typical range
5.8L

IRV + TV + ERV + RV - the maximum air your lungs can hold

Vital Capacity (VC)4.6L
Inspiratory Capacity (IC)3.5L
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)2.3L
5.8 L
Below typical<4Typical4-7Above typical7+
TLC5.8
VC4.6
IC3.5
FRC2.3

Total Lung Capacity is 5.80 L, within the typical adult range.

  • Your Vital Capacity (4.60 L) represents 79% of TLC - the portion you can actively move in and out.
  • Residual Volume (1.20 L) makes up 21% of TLC. In healthy adults the RV/TLC ratio is typically 20-35%; values above 40% can indicate air trapping.
  • Functional Residual Capacity (2.30 L) is the volume at rest - lungs settle here at the balance point between lung recoil and chest wall expansion.
  • Inspiratory Capacity (3.50 L) represents the headroom above the resting FRC; it decreases as hyperinflation increases the resting lung volume.

Next stepThese volume calculations require that residual volume was measured by helium dilution, nitrogen washout, or body plethysmography - spirometry alone cannot measure RV. Compare your values to predicted norms based on your age, sex, and height using the Predicted mode.

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