• Kitchen Faucets
  • HVAC Registers
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Lighting
  • Backsplash Tile
  • Vinyl Plank Flooring
  • Bathroom Faucets
  • Bathroom Hardware and Accessories
  • Shower Heads
  • Kitchen Sinks
  • Electrical
Skip to content
Log in Sign up
Cart (0) Check Out

CASK Industries

  • Home
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Kitchen Sinks
  • Kitchen Faucets
  • Bathroom Faucets
  • Bathroom Hardware and Accessories
  • Shower Heads
  • HVAC Registers
  • Electrical
  • Log in
  • Sign up


Home › Blog › How to Size HVAC Registers

How to Size HVAC Registers

Trying to find the right HVAC register for your project? The most common point of confusion about HVAC grilles is how they are measured. The dimensions that suppliers and manufacturers list when talking about HVAC registers is the size of the vent area, not the size of the plate area. The reason for this is simple. When people are building homes and apartment buildings, they are buying both the registers and the ducts together. So, an 16” by 6” duct goes with an 16” by 6” register. Pretty straight forward, right?

Well, as with many product in construction, sizing is a half inch less. In addition, to mount a register, you need extra spacing on the edges. That’s why a traditional 16” by 6” register is actually 17.75” by 7.75” when measured edge to edge. That extra space around the edge gives you plenty of room to mount the register to the wall.

The other question often asked is if you should buy a 2-way or 3-way register. That’s actually a more complex question. For exact details on calculating air flow rates for different room sizes, reference the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Manual D. Why all the math? When manufacturers design HVAC systems, they try to make them as efficient as possible. This means adapting the air flow to the room. All registers will work with all rooms, but it is less efficient to use the wrong one. 

16 Inch x 6 Inch Wall and Ceiling Register - Two-Way - Steel

16 Inch x 6 Inch Wall and Ceiling Register - Two-Way - Steel

$7.15
This simple, all-steel register is ideal for walls and ceilings. Includes a simple built-in lever for adjusting the airflow. Shipped in shrink wrap with cardboard backing to prevent bending. It is easy to install and includes all the screws you need. HVAC grilles and registers are not measured by the total size of the cover but by the size of the vents or grates. Most plates extend 1 to 1.5 inches beyond the vents. So, a 16" x 6" register will cover a 16" x 6" vent area on a roughly 18" x 8" plate.
View details

Invalid password
Enter

For General Customer Support and Expert Support for Multifamily and Construction Clients

Phone: 844-999-CASK

customersupport@caskindustries.com

Return Policy - Privacy Policy

Click here to see our full catalog for multifamily and construction clients.

Be in the know