Use the chart below to find your dehumidifier size by room square footage and dampness level. A 1,000 sq ft moderately damp space needs a 35-pint dehumidifier; very damp needs 50 pints. All recommendations follow the AHAM DH-1-2022 standard (tested at 65°F/60% RH). Need an exact number? Use our free calculator for a custom recommendation in 60 seconds.
Dehumidifier Sizing Table: Pints Per Day by Square Footage & Dampness
Square Feet
Slightly Damp 50–60% RH
Moderate 60–70% RH
Very Damp 70–90% RH
Wet 90–100% RH
500 sq ft
10 pt
14 pt
18 pt
26 pt
1,000 sq ft
14 pt
20 pt
26 pt
36 pt
1,500 sq ft
18 pt
26 pt
34 pt
46 pt
2,000 sq ft
22 pt
30 pt
42 pt
52 pt
2,500 sq ft
26 pt
34 pt
46 pt
56 pt
3,000 sq ft
30 pt
38 pt
50 pt
60 pt
How to read: Find your room’s sq ft on the left. Match with your dampness level. Round up to the nearest standard size (22, 35, 50, or 70 pints). Color key: green = 22-pt zone, amber = 35-pt, orange = 50-pt, red = 70-pt minimum.
Adjustments: When to Add Extra Pints
High Ceilings
For ceilings over 8 ft, add 5% per extra foot. A 10-ft ceiling adds about 10% to the pint requirement.
Basement
Below-grade spaces need +5 extra pints. Cooler temps and less airflow reduce dehumidifier efficiency.
Laundry Nearby
Washer/dryer in the same space adds +5 pints. Laundry generates significant moisture during each cycle.
Example: 1,200 sq ft, moderately damp basement with laundry = 20 pt (base) + 5 (basement) + 5 (laundry) = 30 pt → round up to 35-pint dehumidifier.
Dehumidifier Size Comparison: 22-Pint vs 35-Pint vs 50-Pint vs 70-Pint
Feature
22 Pints
35 Pints
50 Pints
70 Pints
Coverage (moderate)
500–1,500 sq ft
1,000–2,000 sq ft
1,500–2,500 sq ft
2,500+ sq ft
Typical Power Draw
~300W
~400W
~500W
~700W
Noise Level
40–48 dB
45–52 dB
48–55 dB
55–65 dB
Tank Size (typical)
0.5–1 gal
1–1.5 gal
1.5–2 gal
2–3 gal
Price Range
$150–$250
$160–$270
$200–$350
$300–$1,800
ENERGY STAR IEF Min
≥1.70 L/kWh
≥2.01 L/kWh
≥2.01 L/kWh
≥3.30 L/kWh
Old DOE Equivalent
~30 pint
~50 pint
~70 pint
~90+ pint
Why Pint Ratings Changed: AHAM DH-1-2022 & the DOE 2019 Rule
If you bought a dehumidifier before 2020 and are shopping for a new one, you may notice the pint numbers look different. This is not because dehumidifiers got weaker — the test conditions changed.
Old Test (Pre-June 2019)
80°F / 60% RH Warmer air holds more moisture, so dehumidifiers removed more water per day in the test chamber — leading to higher pint ratings that didn’t match real basement conditions.
New Test (June 2019 — Current)
65°F / 60% RH Cooler air reflects real basement conditions. The new test standard produces pint ratings 30–45% lower, but the same dehumidifier performs identically in your home.
Each pick below is matched to the AHAM DH-1-2022 pint rating. We verify specs against manufacturer data and sort by value — never by commission. Read our product policy.
Best 22-Pint Dehumidifiers — Small rooms, 500–1,500 sq ft
Midea 1,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier With Reusable Air Filter 22 Pint - Ideal For Basements, Large & Medium Sized Rooms, And Bathrooms (White) #ad
GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier 50 Pint with Pump, Perfect for Bedroom, Basement & Garage, Ideal for High Humidity Areas, Built-in Pump Eliminates Need to Check Water Levels, Grey #ad
Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement, Up to 1,500 Sq. Ft. dehumidifier with drain hose, ENERGY STAR Certificated, Smart Control, Compatible with Alexa, White #ad
Keystone Energy Star 22-Pint Portable Dehumidifier for Large Rooms up to 1,500 Sq.Ft. with Auto-Shutoff & Timer, Quiet and Moisture Absorber For Basement, Garage, Living Room #ad
Frigidaire 22-Pint Portable Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi and Energy Star Certification for Small/Medium Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms, Custom Humidity Control, Auto Shut Off, White #ad
AIRPLUS 4500 Sq. Ft Dehumidifiers for Home, 70 Pints Dehumidifier for Basement with Drain Hose, Continuous Drainage, Intelligent Humidistat, Dehumidifier for bathroom, bedroom, Large Room #ad
GE Portable Dehumidifier 25 Pint, Perfect for Bedroom, Basement & Garage or Rooms up to 1500 Sq Ft, Ideal for High Humidity Areas, Complete with Empty Bucket Alarm & Clean Filter Alert #ad
Garvee 50 Pint Dehumidifier for up to 5,500 Sq Ft, with Reusable Air Filter 2.4 Gallon Water Tank, Compact for Home, Basement, Large Sized Rooms, Bathroom #ad
Whirlpool 25 Pint Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier in White, Compact Quiet Efficient Humidity & Moisture Absorber for Home, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Garage, Attic, Crawl Space, Whole Home #ad
Best 35-Pint Dehumidifiers — Medium rooms, 1,000–2,000 sq ft
Waykar 34 Pints Energy Star Dehumidifier for Spaces up to 2,000 Sq. Ft at Home, in Basements and Large Rooms with Drain Hose and 0.66 Gallons Water Tank #ad
Keystone Energy Star 35-Pint Portable Dehumidifier for Extra Large Rooms Up to 3,000 Sq.Ft. with Auto-Shutoff & Timer, Quiet Home Dehumidifier and Moisture Absorber For Basement, Garage, Living Room #ad
Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft 34 Pints 2025 Most Efficient Energy Star Dehumidifier for Home and Basement with Auto or Manual Drainage, Quiet 33dB Operation, 0.62 Gallon Water Tank Capacity #ad
Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Energy Star 2025 Dehumidifier for Basement & Home, Adjusts from 15% RH With Drain Hose, Ultra Quiet 35 dB for Bedroom & Bathroom #ad
GE Portable Dehumidifier 35 Pint, Perfect for Bedroom, Basement & Garage or Rooms up to 3000 Sq Ft, Ideal for High Humidity Areas, Complete with Empty Bucket Alarm & Clean Filter Alert #ad
Dehumidifiers for Home Max 35 Pints, Compressor Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Auto Mode, Dry Clothes, Two Fan Speeds, 24H Timer, Smart Humidity Control, for Bedroom, Basement, Bathroom, Home #ad
Midea 3,000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier for Basement, With Reusable Air Filter 35 Pint - Ideal For Basements, Large & Medium Sized Rooms, And Bathrooms (White) #ad
Midea Cube 35 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement and Rooms at Home for up to 3,500 Sq. Ft., Smart Control, Compatible with Alexa (White), Drain Hose Included #ad
Waykar 2,000 Sq. Ft. 34 Pints 2025 Most Efficient Energy Star Dehumidifier for Basement & Home with Auto or Manual Drainage, Ultra Quiet 33dB, 0.62-Gallon Water Tank #ad
Whirlpool 32 Pint Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier in White, Compact Quiet Efficient Humidity & Moisture Absorber for Home, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Garage, Attic, Crawl Space, Whole Home #ad
Best 50-Pint Dehumidifiers — Basements, 1,500–2,500 sq ft
Amazon Basics 50-Pint Large Dehumidifier with Pump, Energy Star Certified, Humidity Control, Auto-Defrost, Timer, Overflow Protection for Rooms up to 4000 SFT, White #ad
HOGARLABS 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifiers for Home and Basements, with 3 Working Modes, Overflow Protection, and Auto Shut off Restart. Ultra Silent Dehumidifier with Drain Hose and Digital Control Panel. #ad
TCL 4,500 Sq. Ft. Smart Dehumidifier, Energy Star Most Efficient 2024, 50 Pints Per Day, Ideal for Basements, Rooms, and Other Living Spaces, Compatible with Alexa/Google Assistant – H50D44W #ad
hOmeLabs Dehumidifier 7,500 Sq Ft Wi-Fi with Pump (50 Pint MAX 120 Pint at 95°F, 90% RH) for Home, Office, Basements with Powerful Moisture Removal, Humidity Control, Auto Shut-off, Quiet Operation #ad
GE Smart Portable Dehumidifier w/WiFi for Basement, Bedroom, Bathroom, Garage, Large Rooms up to 4500 Sq Ft, 50Pint w/Removable Bucket & Continuous Drain Connect for Auto/Manual Drainage #ad
GE Portable Dehumidifier, 50 Pint Daily Output with Built-in Pump and Smart Dry for Wet Spaces Auto or Manual Drainage, Ultra Quiet, Perfect for Basement, Bedroom, Bathrooms, White #ad
Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement and Rooms at Home for up to 4,500 Sq. Ft., Built-in Pump, Drain Hose Included, Smart Control, Compatible with Alexa (White) #ad
Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement and Rooms at Home for up to 4,500 Sq. Ft., Smart Control, Compatible with Alexa (White), Drain Hose Included #ad
Midea 4,500 Sq. Ft.Dehumidifier for Basement, With Reusable Air Filter 50 Pint - Ideal For Basements, Large & Medium Sized Rooms, And Bathrooms (White) #ad
Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier, Energy Efficient Quiet Humidity Absorber Moisture Extractor for Bathroom Bedroom Garage Attic Large Home House Crawl Space Closet #ad
Hisense 50 Pint Portable Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump in Black, Energy Efficient Quiet Humidity Absorber for Bathroom Bedroom Garage Attic Home House Crawl Space Closet #ad
Whirlpool 50 Pint Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier in White, Compact Quiet Efficient Humidity & Moisture Absorber for Home, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Garage, Attic, Crawl Space, Whole Home #ad
Whirlpool 50 Pint Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier with Pump in White, Compact Quiet Efficient Humidity & Moisture Absorber for Home, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Garage, Attic, Whole Home #ad
Best 70-Pint Dehumidifiers — Large basements, 2,500+ sq ft, commercial
ALORAIR 120 PPD Commercial Dehumidifier, with Drain Hose for Crawl Spaces, Basements, Industry Water Damage Unit, cETL Listed, Compact, Portable, Auto Defrost, Memory Starting, 6 Years Warranty #ad
AprilAire E070 Pro 70-Pint Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Commercial-Grade Whole-House Dehumidifier for Crawlspace, Basement, or Whole Home up to 2,200 sq. ft. #ad
AprilAire E080 Pro 80-Pint Whole-House Dehumidifier, Energy Star Certified, Commercial-Grade for Basement, Crawlspace or Whole House up to 4,400 sq. ft. #ad
AprilAire E070 Pro Dehumidifier Bundle - 70 Pint Whole House Dehumidifier - Full Complete Kit - Crawl Spaces, Basements, Whole Homes, Commercial up to 2,800 sq. ft - 5 Year Warranty Included #ad
Waykar 150 Pint 7,000 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier for Basement & Home, Large Room, Smart Compressor Dehumidifier with Drain Hose & Tank for Commercial, 30%-80% Humidity Control, 90° Auto Swing, Auto Defrost #ad
ALORAIR 70 Pints Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump and Drain Hose, Compact Basement & Commercial Dehumidifier for Water Damage Restoration, Covers Up to 1,000 Sq. Ft., 6-Year Limited Warranty #ad
ALORAIR 70 Pints Crawlspaces Dehumidifier with Drain Hose for Commercial, Basements, Industry Water Damage Unit, Energy Star, Compact, Auto Defrost, Memory Starting Crawl Spaces Dehumidifiers #ad
ALORAIR 120 PPD Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump, Commercial Basement Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Compact Portable Auto Defrost Dehumidifier for Crawlspace and Under-House Use #ad
AEOCKY 4500 Sq.Ft Energy Star Most Efficient 2025 Dehumidifier, Max 80 Pint/Day Smart Compressor Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Intelligent Humidistat,for Basement,Bedroom,Home,Bathroom #ad
70 Pints Commercial Dehumidifier with Pump, Portable Crawl Space Dehumidifiers for Basement and Home, Energy Star Efficient Certified, Automatic Defrost | MOISWELL Defender ME-7S #ad
70 Pints Commercial Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Compact Crawl Space Dehumidifiers for Basement and Home, Energy Star Certified, Automatic Defrost | MOISWELL Defender ME-7 #ad
ALORAIR Wi-Fi Crawl Space and Basement Dehumidifier, 70 Pint with Pump, Auto-Defrost, Covers Up to 1000 Sq Ft, Memory Start, cETL Listed, Commercial Grade #ad
ALORAIR 70 Pints Crawlspaces Dehumidifier with Drain Hose for Commercial, Basements, Industry Water Damage Unit, Energy Star, Compact, Auto Defrost, Memory Starting Crawl Spaces Dehumidifiers #ad
5000 Sq.Ft Energy Star Most Efficient 2024 Dehumidifier, Max 100 Pint Moisture Removal, Auto Defrost, Drain Hose, Smart Humidity Control for Basement, Home, Garage, Bathroom, Laundry Room #ad
5000 Sq.Ft Dehumidifier with Pump, Up to 16.4 Ft Vertical Drainage, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024, Max 100 Pint Moisture Removal, Smart Humidity Control for Basement, Home & Garage #ad
Waykar 70 Pint Energy Star Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump & Drain Hose for Basements, Commercial & Water Damage Spaces up to 5000 Sq. Ft., Compact, Strong Dehumidification, 5-Year Quality Coverage #ad
Waykar 70 Pint Energy Star Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Drain Hose for Basements, Commercial & Water Damage Spaces up to 5000 Sq. Ft., Compact, Strong Dehumidification, 5-Year Quality Coverage #ad
ALORAIR 70 Pints Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump and Drain Hose, Compact Basement & Commercial Dehumidifier for Water Damage Restoration, Covers Up to 1,000 Sq. Ft., 6-Year Limited Warranty #ad
AEOCKY 4500 Sq.Ft Energy Star Most Efficient 2025 Dehumidifier with Pump, Max 80 Pint/Day Smart Compressor Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Intelligent Humidistat,for Basement,Bedroom,Home,Bathroom #ad
The sizing recommendations and product suggestions on this page are for general informational purposes only.
They are based on simplified assumptions and may not account for site-specific factors
(local building codes, actual load measurements, insulation, climate variations, safety requirements).
Always consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
Disclosure: WhatSize Appliance earns a commission when you buy through Amazon links. This doesn’t affect which products we recommend. Read our full disclosure.
Dehumidifier Sizing FAQ
How do I use this dehumidifier sizes chart?
Find your room’s square footage in the left column. Pick the dampness level that matches your space: slightly damp (no visible moisture), moderate (musty smell), very damp (condensation on walls), or wet (standing water). The intersecting cell gives the base pint requirement. Then apply adjustments: +5 pints for basements, +5 for laundry rooms, and +5% per foot of ceiling above 8 ft. Round up to the nearest standard size: 22, 35, 50, or 70 pints.
Why are new dehumidifier pint ratings lower than my old one?
The DOE changed the test standard in June 2019. The old test ran at 80°F — dehumidifiers removed more water because warm air holds more moisture. The new test runs at 65°F, closer to actual basement temperatures. A “50-pint” dehumidifier from 2018 is equivalent to today’s 35-pint rating. The machine didn’t change — the test did. Our chart above uses the current AHAM DH-1-2022 ratings.
Is it better to oversize or undersize a dehumidifier?
Oversizing is better. A larger dehumidifier removes moisture faster, cycles less often (extending compressor life), and handles humidity spikes from showers, cooking, or laundry. The only downsides: higher upfront cost (~$50-100 extra) and slightly higher power draw when running. ENERGY STAR recommends: “It’s better to oversize than undersize.”
What size dehumidifier for a 1,500 sq ft basement?
A 1,500 sq ft moderately damp basement needs a 50-pint dehumidifier (per the chart above: 26 pt base + 5 basement = 31 pt → round to 50). A very damp 1,500 sq ft basement (condensation, mold odor) needs a 70-pint unit. See our full basement dehumidifier guide for detailed scenarios.
Does ceiling height affect dehumidifier sizing?
Yes. A room with 10-ft ceilings contains about 25% more air volume than the same floor area with 8-ft ceilings. Add 5% to the pint requirement per extra foot above 8 ft. For a 1,000 sq ft room with 10-ft ceilings at moderate dampness: 20 pt base × 1.10 = 22 pt → round to 35-pint dehumidifier.
Need an Exact Recommendation?
Our free calculator factors in ceiling height, basement conditions, and laundry rooms for a custom pint size in 60 seconds.
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