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Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV)

Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV) measures the amount of breathing gas a diver inhales and exhales in one minute. This value varies from person to person and plays a crucial role in dive planning. Knowing your RMV helps you estimate the duration of your gas supply at a given depth, promoting safer and more efficient dives.

To calculate your RMV, you need to specify the size of your gas cylinder, the starting and ending pressures, the average depth of your dive, and the duration.

Cylinder Size (cu ft)

Start Pressure (psi)

End Pressure (psi)

Average Depth (ft)

Dive Duration (min)

RMV (cu ft/min): 0.4

Note: all intermediate calculations use metric units (L, bar, m), and the result is converted to ft³/min if imperial units are selected.


The RMV is derived as follows:


RMV = SACsurface = SACdepth / ATA

  • Gas used: ΔP = 170 bar across 60 min
  • SAC at depth: (Vtank × ΔP) / t = (11 L × 170 bar) / 60 min = 31.17 L/min
  • Ambient pressure (ATA): 1 + D/10 = 1 + 15 m/10 = 2.50 ATA
  • SAC at surface: SACdepth / ATA = 31.17 / 2.50 = 12.47 L/min
  • Final RMV: 0.4 cu ft/min

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Important Warning: The calculators provided on this page are intended for reference purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, divers are strongly advised to verify the output of these calculators independently before use. Always double-check calculations and consider all safety factors relevant to your specific diving conditions and experience level. Diving without proper verification and planning can be dangerous. Dive safely and responsibly.