---
title: "Air compressor vs jackhammer — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Air compressor is somewhat greater than jackhammer on weight — about 1.2×. Compared on 4 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-compressor-vs-jackhammer/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Air compressor vs Jackhammer

**Air compressor vs jackhammer: Air compressor is larger on weight**

Air compressor is somewhat greater than jackhammer on weight — about 1.2×.

An air compressor and a jackhammer can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

## Side by side

*Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.*

|  | Air compressor | Jackhammer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 12–170 kg | 10–42 kg |
| Typical cost | 100–1,800 $ | 300–3,500 $ |
| Loudness | 60–92 dB | 95–115 dB |
| Power draw | 1.006–5.364 hp | 1,000–2,200 W |

## What the numbers say

- Air compressor is somewhat greater than jackhammer on weight — about 1.2×.
- Jackhammer is 4× air compressor on typical cost.
- Jackhammer is somewhat greater than air compressor on loudness — about 1.3×.
- Jackhammer is somewhat greater than air compressor on power draw — about 1.1×.

*Weight compared.*

- Air compressor: 12–170 kg
- Jackhammer: 10–42 kg

## Air compressor

A pump that stores compressed air in a tank to drive nailers, wrenches and spray equipment.

## Jackhammer

A percussive breaker that drives a chisel into concrete or rock, powered by compressed air, electricity or hydraulics.

> This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

## Common questions

### Which is bigger, air compressor or jackhammer?

Air compressor is somewhat greater than jackhammer on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do air compressors and jackhammers compare on typical cost?

Air compressor: 100–1,800 $. Jackhammer: 300–3,500 $. Jackhammer is 4× air compressor on typical cost.

### How do air compressors and jackhammers compare on loudness?

Air compressor: 60–92 dB. Jackhammer: 95–115 dB. Jackhammer is somewhat greater than air compressor on loudness — about 1.3×.

## Related pages

- [Air compressor vs lawn mower](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-compressor-vs-lawn-mower/)
- [Jackhammer vs lawn mower](https://atoneplace.net/vs/jackhammer-vs-lawn-mower/)
- [Jackhammer vs pressure washer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/jackhammer-vs-pressure-washer/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)