The vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that a person can expel from his or her lungs after a maximum inhalation. The normal range for vital capacity is between 3 and 5 liters.
The vital capacity can be used to help differentiate causes of lung disease. In restrictive lung disease the vital capacity is decreased. In obstructive lung disease it is usually normal or only slightly decreased.
Formula:
VCmale = (21.78-0.101*a)*h
VCfemale = (27.63-0.112*a)*h
a is age
h is height
VC is vital capacity