Free tool
Find the right dehumidifier size in pints for your room, basement, or home. Enter the square footage and how damp it is to get a quick recommendation.
This chart uses the pint ratings on new models.
| Area | Damp | Very damp | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 500 sq ft | 22 pints | 35 pints | 50 pints |
| 500 to 1,000 sq ft | 35 pints | 50 pints | 50 pints or larger |
| 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft | 50 pints | 50 pints or larger | Whole-house |
For basements, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces, go up one size.
Our guides on a house that stays humid with the AC on, condensation on windows, and getting rid of a musty room smell explain the causes and other fixes.
Most basements need a 35-pint or 50-pint unit. Basements are usually damper than living spaces, so pick one size larger than you would for a bedroom of the same size.
Usually, a little bigger is better. A larger unit removes moisture faster, runs fewer hours, and often lasts longer. Just make sure it fits your space and budget.
In 2019, the U.S. changed how dehumidifiers are tested. A unit that used to be labeled 70 pints is often labeled about 50 pints now, even though it removes the same amount of water.
The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Setting a dehumidifier to about 45 to 50 percent works well in most homes.
Home Problems
Your AC is running but the house still feels damp and sticky? Learn why it happens, from an oversized AC to a dirty filter, and easy ways to lower indoor humidity.
5 min read
Home Problems
A musty smell almost always means damp air and mold or mildew nearby. Learn how to find the source, remove the smell, and stop it from coming back.
8 min read
Length × width of the room or open space.
Recommended size
35-pint dehumidifier
Sizes use the pint ratings on new models, tested under the 2019 U.S. standard. Aim for indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. When in doubt, pick the next size up. A bigger unit runs less and lasts longer.