Oxygen Tank Duration Calculator
For an E cylinder, estimate minutes as (gauge PSI − reserve PSI) × 0.28 ÷ flow in LPM; verify the factor and reserve with local policy.
Use the Oxygen Tank Duration Calculator
Cylinder Parameters
Reading shown on the regulator gauge.
Used only for the fill bar; enter the supplier or cylinder-label value.
E is commonly 0.28; confirm the value for the actual cylinder.
Use the reserve required by your local protocol.
Prescribed or set delivery rate in LPM.
Quick Cylinder Presets
Enter cylinder parameters and click Calculate Duration.
Estimated Duration
—
Available O₂
—
liters at atmospheric pressure
Total Duration
—
minutes
Tank Fill Level
—
Pressure percentage relative to the selected preset's example full pressure; verify the actual rated pressure.
Duration by Continuous Flow
Comparison only—do not change a prescribed flow to extend cylinder time.
| Flow | Estimated duration | Minutes |
|---|
Low Supply Warning
The estimate is under 30 minutes. Follow local replacement and escalation procedures.
Calculation Detail
Planning estimate—not a clinical guarantee
Confirm the cylinder identity, factor, gauge, regulator and reserve locally. Actual duration can be shorter because of leaks, variable demand and device behavior. Do not delay clinically required oxygen based on this estimate. Formula and factor context: PAHO inter-hospital transport guidance.
Summary
This calculator estimates continuous-flow duration for a compressed medical oxygen cylinder. It subtracts a configurable safe residual pressure from the gauge reading, multiplies by the selected cylinder factor, then divides by flow in liters per minute. Cylinder letters and factors are not universal, so confirm the label, supplier data and local clinical policy before use.
How it works
- Enter the current pressure from the cylinder gauge in PSI.
- Choose a cylinder factor or enter the factor supplied for your cylinder.
- Enter the reserve pressure required by your service or facility.
- Enter the oxygen flow rate in liters per minute (LPM).
- The calculator subtracts reserve pressure, multiplies by the factor and divides by flow.
Use cases
- Estimate continuous-flow supply time using a prescribed or already-set flow.
- Plan compressed medical oxygen reserves for EMS transport.
- Verify whether a cylinder estimate covers a planned patient transfer plus the locally required margin.
- Compare how different continuous-flow settings change estimated duration.
- Support hospital cylinder inventory and rotation planning.
- Practice respiratory-care cylinder-duration calculations.