If you've been researching leaf blowers, you've likely come across the term CFM. But what is CFM on a leaf blower, and why is it so important when choosing the right tool for your yard? Whether you're a residential homeowner or a commercial landscaper, understanding blower CFM can make all the difference in how efficiently and effectively you clear leaves, lawn clippings, and other debris. In this Greenworks guide, we’re breaking down exactly what leaf blower CFM is, why it matters, and illustrating the point with a simple example to help you develop a better understanding of this important metric.
What Does CFM Mean About Leaf Blower?
CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute
CFM measures the volume of air a leaf blower can push out in one minute. Simply put, it tells you how much air the leaf blower moves. This is different than how fast air in the leaf blower moves—which is MPH, or miles per hour.
CFM is the power behind how wide an area your leaf blower can cover.
Let’s keep it simple: Imagine using a small fan versus a large box fan. One moves air faster (MPH), but the other pushes more air overall (CFM). You want both strength and volume when tackling leaves and debris, which is why understanding CFM and how it works with MPH is so important!

What’s a Good CFM for a Leaf Blower?
The right CFM depends on your yard size and how heavy the workload is. Here's an easy guide:
- For smaller yards (half an acre or less) and lighter work, like dry leaves on pavement or grass, a blower with 450–500 CFM and 150–190 MPH is typically sufficient. This is especially true if you're a non-professional homeowner looking for a cordless or electric model.
Greenworks Tip: Wondering what is a good CFM for a cordless leaf blower? Aim for 450+ CFM and balance it with MPH for optimal performance.
- For larger properties (more than half an acre), especially if you're clearing wet leaves, pine needles, or debris frequently, you’ll want more power. Look for a blower with 800–1000+ CFM and 200–239+ MPH.
Greenworks Tip: High CFM and MPH blowers are ideal for professional landscapers or anyone with lots of trees or frequent cleanup needs.

What’s Better: CFM or MPH for a Leaf Blower?
Here’s the thing: Overall leaf blowing power is not about CFM vs. MPH—it’s about both working together. MPH tells you how fast the air moves out of the blower; CFM tells you how much air is being moved. The sweet spot is when both are optimized. A blower with high MPH but low CFM may blow fast, but only in a narrow stream. A blower with high CFM but low MPH might move a lot of air, but not powerfully enough to lift stubborn debris.
To learn more about the difference between CFM and MPH and how these metrics work synergistically to power your leaf blower, read CFM vs. MPH for Leaf Blowers: What’s the Difference? Find this story and more on the Greenworks blog!

Choose a CFM and MPH within a balanced range that matches your yard’s size and debris type:
Yard Type |
Recommended CFM |
Recommended MPH |
Small (< 0.5 acre) |
450-500 |
150-190 |
Large (> 0.5 acre) |
900-1000+ |
200-239+ |
Bonus Metric: Blowing Force
If you’ve seen a number on a leaf blower listed in Newtons, that’s the blowing force (a combined measure of CFM and MPH). The higher the blowing force, the more effective the leaf blower will be at lifting and moving debris. It's a straightforward way to compare tools when you’re stuck between options—no math or pressure washer analogies needed!

Final Thoughts: What is Leaf Blower CFM and Why does it Matter?
When shopping for your next leaf blower, don’t just ask, “What is a good CFM for a leaf blower?” Instead, consider:
- Your yard size
- The type of debris you’re clearing
- How often you’ll use the blower
- The right balance of CFM, MPH, and blowing force
That’s how you’ll get the most value and performance out of your investment—whether you're looking for a high-powered commercial blower or a convenient cordless model for weekend cleanups.
In the market for a new leaf blower? Check out our best-in-class cordless electric leaf blowers at Greenworks.com! Available with and without backpacks, these versatile solutions make clearing wet and dry leaves, dirt, and debris both easy and efficient.
Plus, you’ll find more excellent information about leaf blowers on our Greenworks blog, including:
7 Tips for Using a Leaf Blower
Using a Leaf Blower to Clean Gutters: A Step-By-Step Guide
9 Must-Have Tools for Cleaning Up Your Yard This Fall
…and more!