Reviews & Guides

Leaf Blower MPH Versus CFM

  • Date: September 10, 2021
  • Time to read: 2 min.

What’s More Important in a Leaf Blower MPH or CFM?

You think you have found the perfect leaf blower for your yard. Then you notice the blower’s CFM and MPH ratings. You are pretty sure you know what MPH is, but what about CFM? And what’s more important in the leaf blower – MPH or CFM?

Generally speaking, CFM is more important than MPH as it determines the leaf blower’s overall power, rather than speed. However, there are many factors you should consider when looking at CFM and MPH, including yard size, tree count, the weight you can handle, and your budget.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at leaf blower MPH versus CFM.

Leaf Blower MPH Versus CFM

First, let’s define MPH and CFM, so we understand what’s going on in the world of leaf-blower numbers:

  • MPH, or miles per hour, measures the speed at which air passes through a leaf blower’s nozzle.
  • CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures the volume at which air leaves a leaf blower’s nozzle per minute.

So, MPH is all about speed, while CFM is all about power. Obviously, go with a higher CFM number, right? Well, it depends.

A leaf blower with a higher CFM rating means you are looking at a bigger, heavier motor that’s full of horsepower. So you’ve got power, but you have to determine if you can handle equipment that weighs more and might be more challenging to operate.

Helpful Tip: Buy the most CFM you can afford, as long as it is comfortable. But keep in mind that you may not need the highest-rated CFM leaf blower if you have a smaller yard. Once again, CFM and MPH ratings depend on your specific needs.

Here are a few helpful numbers when it comes to CFM:

  • 200 – 400 CFM: If you have a few trees and only need to occasionally clear your yard of leaves or grass clippings. Most homeowners likely only need this much CFM.
  • 400 – 700 CFM: If you are on an acre of land with plenty of trees and need to clear often and quickly.
  • Up to 1,000 CFM: If you own your own commercial business or have over an acre to clear.

Keep in mind that CFM and MPH affect each other as they are related. So the more CFM a blower has, the harder it is to keep MPH. On the other hand, the lower the CFM a leaf blower has, the easier it is for MPH to do its thing and provide maximum speed.

In Conclusion

While CFM might seem like the more important of the two ratings, both matter, and ultimately, CFM and MPH ratings depend on your needs.

Make sure you consider both when purchasing a leaf blower.