Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inspiration. It is equal to the inspiratory reserve volume plus the tidal volume plus the expiratory reserve volume.
A person's vital capacity can be measured by a spirometer which can be a wet or regular spirometer. In combination with other physiological measurements, the vital capacity can help make a diagnosis of underlying lung disease. The unit that is used to determine this vital capacity is the millilitre (ml).
A normal adult has a vital capacity between 3 and 5 litres. Predicted normal values for VC can be calculated online and depend on age, sex, height, weight and ethnicity as well as the research study that they are based upon.
http://www.fpnotebook.com/Lung/Lab/VtlCpcty.htm
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