Refrigerant Charge Calculator
Calculate charge with liquid line, suction line, and elevation correction
⚠️ Important: This calculator provides estimates only. Always verify with manufacturer specifications and confirm charge using superheat/subcooling method.
System Configuration
Piping Data
Liquid Line (High Pressure)
Suction Line (Low Pressure) - Often overlooked!
m
Elevation Difference
Positive = condenser higher than evaporator
Factory Charge
Check equipment nameplate. If unknown, estimate will be used.
m
Factory charge usually includes 5-7.5m piping
Calculation Results
Factory Charge
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Liquid Line Add
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Suction Line Add
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Elevation Adj.
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Total System Charge
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Additional Charge Only
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Charge Breakdown
Enter values to see breakdown
Liquid Line Charge (g/m)
| Refrigerant | 1/4" | 3/8" | 1/2" | 5/8" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-410A | 20 | 45 | 80 | 125 |
| R-32 | 15 | 35 | 60 | 95 |
| R-454B | 18 | 40 | 72 | 112 |
| R-22 | 18 | 40 | 72 | 112 |
| R-404A | 22 | 50 | 88 | 138 |
Suction Line Charge (g/m)
| Refrigerant | 1/2" | 5/8" | 3/4" | 7/8" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-410A | 8 | 13 | 18 | 25 |
| R-32 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 19 |
| R-454B | 7 | 11 | 16 | 22 |
| R-22 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 19 |
| R-404A | 9 | 14 | 20 | 28 |
Suction line contains vapor - charge rate is ~20-30% of liquid line
Typical Factory Charge Reference
| System Size | R-410A | R-32 | R-22 | R-404A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Ton (3.5kW) | 0.6-0.8 kg | 0.5-0.7 kg | 0.5-0.7 kg | 0.7-0.9 kg | Window/portable AC |
| 1.5 Ton (5.3kW) | 0.9-1.2 kg | 0.7-1.0 kg | 0.8-1.0 kg | 1.0-1.3 kg | Small split system |
| 2.0 Ton (7.0kW) | 1.2-1.6 kg | 1.0-1.3 kg | 1.0-1.4 kg | 1.4-1.8 kg | Residential split |
| 3.0 Ton (10.5kW) | 1.8-2.4 kg | 1.4-1.9 kg | 1.5-2.0 kg | 2.0-2.6 kg | Medium split |
| 5.0 Ton (17.6kW) | 3.0-4.0 kg | 2.4-3.2 kg | 2.5-3.5 kg | 3.5-4.5 kg | Large residential/light commercial |
| 10 Ton (35kW) | 6.0-8.0 kg | 5.0-6.5 kg | 5.5-7.5 kg | 7.0-9.0 kg | Commercial |
⚠️ Important: Factory charge varies by manufacturer. Always check equipment nameplate. These values assume 5-7.5m standard piping included.
Charging Best Practices
Before Charging
- ✓ Verify system is leak-free (pressure test)
- ✓ Evacuate to 500 microns or less
- ✓ Check nameplate for factory charge
- ✓ Measure actual pipe run lengths
- ✓ Account for elevation differences
After Charging
- ✓ Verify superheat (8-12°F typical)
- ✓ Verify subcooling (8-14°F typical)
- ✓ Check suction pressure vs P-T chart
- ✓ Check discharge pressure vs ambient
- ✓ Record readings on service tag