How do I calculate the gas load for a commercial kitchen?
Add up the BTU-per-hour input rating of every gas appliance (from each nameplate/spec sheet). The sum is your total connected gas load. Divide by ~1,000 to get cubic feet per hour of natural gas. Your gas meter and piping must be able to deliver that peak demand - a plumber sizes them per the Fuel Gas Code using pipe length and pressure.
How many BTUs does a commercial kitchen need?
It varies widely by menu: a small cafe line might total under 200,000 BTU/hr, while a full cooking line with a range, fryers, a charbroiler and ovens can exceed 1,000,000 BTU/hr. Total your appliances (this calculator does it) and check it against your gas meter's capacity.
Will my gas meter handle my equipment?
Compare your total connected BTU/hr to the meter's rated capacity (the utility can tell you). If your load approaches or exceeds it, you'll need a meter upgrade - a common and sometimes slow utility step, so check early. Piping is sized separately for length and pressure drop.
Is this the exact gas pipe size?
No - it estimates total connected load only. Actual pipe sizing depends on run length, number of fittings, delivery pressure and simultaneity, per the International Fuel Gas Code. A licensed plumber sizes the pipe and confirms the meter.