The lungs can hold about 6 liters of air when they are fully inflated, on average for an adult male. This total lung capacity (TLC) includes all the volumes of air in the lungs after a maximum inspiration. For women, the total lung capacity is slightly lower, around 4 to 4.2 liters.
Lung Capacity Components
- Total lung capacity (TLC) is the sum of all lung volumes: tidal volume (air in a normal breath), inspiratory reserve volume (extra air inhaled after a normal breath), expiratory reserve volume (extra air exhaled after a normal breath), and residual volume (air remaining after a forced exhale).
- Vital capacity (VC), the maximum amount of air moved in or out during a single respiratory cycle, is typically 4 to 5 liters.
- Residual volume prevents the lungs from collapsing and remains in the lungs even after forceful exhalation.
Summary
- Average total lung capacity: about 6 liters (adult males), around 4 to 4.2 liters (adult females).
- Lungs never fully empty; residual air remains after exhalation.
- Lung capacities vary by size, age, gender, and health.
This means the maximum volume of air the lungs can hold when fully inflated is roughly 6 liters for an average adult male.
