McQuay Duct Sizer is a software tool used for calculating duct sizes in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. It helps engineers and designers size ducts for optimal performance and efficiency. The software was developed by McQuay International, which is now part of Daikin Applied Systems.
Whether you virtualize McQuay’s classic tool or switch to a Mac-native or web-based alternative, Mac users have practical paths to accurate duct sizing — pick the route balancing compatibility, cost, and workflow speed.
McQuay Duct Sizer (now officially distributed by Daikin Applied
) is a legacy HVAC engineering tool widely used for calculating optimal duct dimensions. While a native macOS "full paper" or application file is not officially published by the manufacturer, macOS users typically access its functionality via iOS mobile apps Windows virtualization Core Technical Functionality
The tool calculates ductwork specifications by analyzing airflow (CFM), pressure loss, and air velocity. Sizing Methods : Supports both the Equal Friction Method (standard) and Equal Velocity Method Air Properties mcquay duct sizer for mac
: Automatically determines air density, viscosity, and specific heat based on user-defined temperature and humidity. Duct Shapes : Performs calculations for rectangular
: Provides equivalent diameter, Reynolds number, friction factor, velocity pressure, and head loss. Carmel Software Software Access for Mac Users
Because the original desktop software was developed for Windows, Mac users have two primary options:
How to Use a Duct Sizer for Properly Sizing Flexible Ducts – KSA - Airlution What is McQuay Duct Sizer
Daikin’s modern replacement. Works in Safari or Chrome. Includes duct sizing, pipe sizing, and equipment selection. Requires a free account. The interface is modern but slower than the classic .exe.
If you prefer not to tinker with Wine, running a full Windows virtual machine is the bulletproof method.
Several engineers have built HTML5/JavaScript duct sizers. Search for “Web-based equal friction duct sizer.” Examples:
If you're looking for a more manual or "paper" solution, you can refer to HVAC engineering textbooks or resources that provide duct sizing charts and methodologies for manual calculations. ASHRAE and other industry organizations publish guides and standards that can be used for manual duct sizing. Software: VMware Fusion (free for personal use) or
If you already use Autodesk products on Mac (AutoCAD for Mac or Revit for Mac), many add-ins include duct sizing tools. For example:
Yes, if you are an experienced HVAC designer who relies on muscle memory with the friction loss chart and specific roughness values. The classic McQuay tool is faster than any web alternative.
No, if you are a student, occasional user, or manage a primarily cloud-based workflow. Modern web-based calculators or the built-in tools in Revit for Mac are sufficient.
If you prefer not to use workarounds, several native or web-based duct sizers exist for macOS.