Pints vs Liters: Converting Dehumidifier Capacity Units
Short answer: Dehumidifier capacity is given in pints per day under U.S. Department of Energy test conditions. The conversion to liters is a simple unit conversion, but the bigger issue is that capacity ratings changed after 2020 because testing happens at 65°F instead of 80°F. Always check which test standard a rating follows before comparing models.
Why dehumidifier capacity is measured in pints or liters
In the United States, dehumidifier capacity is expressed in pints per day, as defined by the Department of Energy. The ENERGY STAR program states that the size or capacity of a unit is usually measured in pints per 24 hours. Outside the U.S., capacities are often given in liters per day. The choice of unit is simply a matter of regional convention, and the conversion is a fixed mathematical relationship.
Knowing the unit matters less than knowing the test conditions behind the rating. As we explain in the next section, the same dehumidifier can have different pint ratings depending on when it was manufactured, so the conversion factor alone does not tell you how much moisture a unit will remove in your home. To understand what a pint rating really means, start with our pint rating explained article.
Converting between pints and liters
To convert a pint rating to liters, you multiply the number of pints by the conversion factor from US pints to liters. That factor is a constant, and you can look it up in any standard unit reference. For practical purposes, you can also find many online conversion tools that will do the calculation for you. The key is to use the same unit of measure consistently when comparing dehumidifiers from different markets.
When you see a dehumidifier listed as '30 pints' under the current test standard, that means it removes 30 pints of water per 24 hours at the specified test condition. If you want to know the removal in liters per day, apply the conversion factor. This conversion is independent of the test condition, but the test condition affects the pint value itself. For a deeper look at how test conditions influence ratings, see our dehumidifier testing standards article.
Why capacity ratings changed in 2020
Starting in 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy changed the test procedure for dehumidifiers. According to the ENERGY STAR testing and capacity page, portable dehumidifiers are now tested at 65°F instead of 80°F. Because cooler air contains less moisture, a dehumidifier tested under the new procedure will likely report a smaller capacity than under the old procedure. The ENERGY STAR page provides a rough correlation table between old and new ratings for portable units.
The table below summarizes the approximate capacity changes for portable dehumidifiers, based on the ENERGY STAR guidance. These numbers help you translate an older rating into the current scale.
| Old capacity (through 2019) | New approximate capacity (2020) |
|---|---|
| 30 | 20 |
| 40 | 25 |
| 50 | 30 |
| 55 | 30-35 |
| 60 | 35 |
| 70 | 40-45 |
| 90 | 55 |
How to compare old and new capacity ratings
When you shop for a dehumidifier today, you will see ratings based on the new test procedure. If you are replacing an older unit, do not assume the same pint number will deliver the same performance. The ENERGY STAR page notes that a smaller capacity number on a new model may still meet your needs, because the testing is more realistic. For example, an old 50-pint unit is roughly equivalent to a new 30-pint unit for the same space.
Always check the rating year. If you see a listing that says 'capacity 50 pints' without noting the test standard, ask the manufacturer. Many manufacturers will list both old and new ratings on the spec sheet. For more context on what a pint rating means in practice, review our sizing by square footage guide.
Liters per day and liters per kilowatt-hour
Capacity is not the only metric that uses liters. The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is measured by its Integrated Energy Factor (IEF), expressed in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed, as the ENERGY STAR page explains. That is a different measure from capacity. A high IEF means the unit uses less electricity to remove a liter of water, but it does not tell you how many liters per day it can remove.
When comparing energy efficiency across models, the IEF value is useful. The capacity in pints per day tells you how much moisture the unit can handle. Both numbers are part of the specification, and they are not interchangeable. To learn more about efficiency metrics, see our energy efficiency and IEF article.
Choosing the right capacity for your space
To select the right capacity, consider the size of the room and the dampness level, not just the pint number. The ENERGY STAR buying guidance page includes a chart that recommends minimum capacities based on room size and dampness. For a small to moderately damp room, 20 to 30 pints per day may be enough; for a very damp large space, you may need 50 or more pints. These recommendations assume the new test standard.
If you have a basement, you may want to read our guide on best basement dehumidifiers. For a more general approach to sizing, the learn article on choosing capacity explains how to match the rated capacity to your square footage and moisture level.
What to pick for your use
| If you | Pick | Buying guide |
|---|---|---|
| You need a compact unit for a small, slightly damp room | A new 20-30 pint model | Best Under 50 Pints Dehumidifiers in 2026: 15 Picks Compared |
| You need a mid-capacity unit for a large basement | A new 40-50 pint model | Best 50 to 99 Pints Dehumidifiers in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs |
| You need a high-capacity unit for a very wet area | A new 70+ pint model | Best 100 to 149 Pints Dehumidifiers 2026: 9 Picks Compared |
| You need the largest capacity for whole-home or industrial use | A 135+ pint model | Best 150 Pint Dehumidifiers in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs |
Questions
Why do dehumidifier capacities seem lower than they used to be?
Because the Department of Energy changed the test temperature from 80°F to 65°F in 2020. Cooler air holds less moisture, so a unit tested under the new procedure reports a smaller pint rating than under the old procedure. Newer ratings are based on the more realistic basement condition.
How do I convert an old pint rating to a new one?
Use the correlation table from ENERGY STAR. For example, an old 50-pint unit corresponds to a new 30-pint unit. Not every model matches exactly, but the table gives a rough comparison. If you need a precise conversion, contact the manufacturer.
What does liters per day mean?
It is the metric equivalent of pints per day. To convert, multiply the pint value by the conversion factor from US pints to liters. The exact factor is available in any standard unit reference. The conversion is independent of the test condition.
Is liters per kWh the same as capacity?
No. Liters per kWh is the Integrated Energy Factor (IEF), which measures efficiency. It tells you how many liters of water are removed per kilowatt-hour of electricity used. Capacity, measured in pints per day, tells you the total moisture removal rate.
Should I use the pint rating or the liter rating when buying?
Use the unit that appears on the product label in your region. In the U.S., stick to pints per day, and make sure the rating is based on the current DOE test procedure. That way you are comparing like-for-like across models.
Update history
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