When shopping for an air purifier in Canada, you’ll often see “CADR” listed in the product specs. But what does it actually mean — and why does it matter?
CADR, short for Clean Air Delivery Rate, measures how effectively an air purifier can filter smoke, pollen, and dust from the air. Choosing the right CADR for your room size is critical. Buy a purifier that’s too small, and it won’t clean the air properly. Buy one that’s too large, and you may overpay for features you don’t need.
This guide breaks down:
- What CADR means in simple terms
- How to calculate the right CADR for your room
- A Canada-focused CADR-to-room size calculator
- Top-rated purifiers that meet these standards
What is CADR?
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate — a standard created by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
It tells you how many cubic feet of clean air per minute (CFM) an air purifier can deliver. The higher the CADR, the faster and more effectively it can clean the air in a given space.
Manufacturers usually list CADR ratings for:
- Smoke (the hardest particle to filter — most important for wildfire protection in BC & Alberta)
- Dust
- Pollen
👉 For Canadians worried about wildfire smoke, the smoke CADR is the most important number to look at.
CADR-to-Room Size Rule of Thumb
The general formula is:
Room size (sq. ft.) ÷ 1.55 ≈ Minimum CADR required
For example:
- 200 sq. ft. bedroom → CADR of ~130
- 400 sq. ft. living room → CADR of ~260
- 600 sq. ft. basement suite → CADR of ~390
Canada CADR-to-Room Size Calculator
Here’s a simple reference table for Canadian homes and apartments:
| Room Size (sq. ft.) | Recommended CADR |
| Small Room (up to 200 sq. ft.) | 120 – 150 |
| Medium Room (200–400 sq. ft.) | 150 – 260 |
| Large Room (400–600 sq. ft.) | 260 – 400 |
| Extra-Large Room (600+ sq. ft.) | 400+ |
Top CADR-Rated Air Purifiers in Canada (2025)
| Air Purifier | CADR (Smoke) | Best For | Price |
| Levoit Core 300 | 141 | Small bedrooms (up to 200 sq. ft.) | See current price |
| Levoit Core 400S | 260 | Medium rooms (up to 400 sq. ft.) | See current price |
| Coway AP-1512HH Mighty | 233 | Living rooms, condos | See current price |
| Blueair Blue Pure 211+ | 350 | Large rooms & basements | See current price |
| Dyson Purifier Cool TP09 | ~360 | Whole apartments | See current price |
Quick Individual Reviews: Best Air Purifiers by CADR in Canada
1. Levoit Core 300 (CADR: 141)
A compact, affordable purifier ideal for small bedrooms or home offices.
Pros: Quiet, budget-friendly, reliable for bedrooms
Cons: Not strong enough for large spaces
Click here to see its current price.
2. Levoit Core 400S (CADR: 260)
Wi-Fi smart control, strong CADR for medium rooms.
Pros: Voice control, app integration, good for wildfire smoke
Cons: Filters cost extra over time
Click here to see its current price.
3. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty (CADR: 233)
Well-balanced purifier with strong CADR, perfect for condos and apartments.
Pros: Energy efficient, long-lasting, solid CADR rating
Cons: Bulkier design than Levoit
Click here to see its current price.
4. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ (CADR: 350)
A favourite for large Canadian living rooms and basements.
Pros: High CADR, excellent for wildfire smoke, low energy use
Cons: Replacement filters can be pricey
Click here to see its current price.
5. Dyson Purifier Cool TP09 (CADR: ~360)
Premium pick with both purification and cooling.
Pros: Sleek design, app-controlled, excellent CADR
Cons: Expensive, CADR not officially AHAM-certified
Click here to see its current price.
FAQs — CADR in Canada
Q: What CADR do I need for wildfire smoke in BC or Alberta?
A: For medium rooms (200–400 sq. ft.), aim for at least CADR 260+. For larger living spaces, CADR 350+ is best.
Q: Is CADR the only factor that matters?
A: No — filter quality (HEPA H13), noise levels, and replacement filter costs also matter.
Q: Are Canadian homes harder to size for CADR?
A: It depends. For instance, basements and open-concept condos may require higher CADR models because of airflow challenges.
Conclusion
Understanding CADR helps Canadians buy the right air purifier for their room size — and avoid wasting money on underpowered or overpriced models.
- Small rooms (≤200 sq. ft.) → CADR ~150
- Medium rooms (200–400 sq. ft.) → CADR ~250–260
- Large rooms (400–600 sq. ft.) → CADR 350+
👉 Looking for a medical-grade purifier? Check out our full guide on the Best Medical Grade Air Purifiers Canada 2025 Expert Reviews.
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