OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to measure nasal cavity volume (NV) in preschool children with the use of acoustic rhinometry (AR).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGProspective study: 1) Nasal cavity models were used to test the correlations between NV, minimal cross‐sectional area (MCA), and nasal resistance; 2) 97 four‐year‐olds (48 boys, 49 girls) and 137 five‐year‐olds (68 boys, 69 girls) children were selected to undergo AR.RESULTS1. Model tests showed that the resistance correlated better with the changes of the volume than the MCA. 2. The average bilateral NV in preschool children was 2.03 ± 0.4 mL. There was no significant difference in either gender (P = 0.2) or age (P = 0.197).CONCLUSIONSVolume measurement appears more sensitive and reliable than the MCA in assessing nasal patency. AR was easily performed on preschool children, and normative NV values were achieved.SIGNIFICANCEThe results and conclusions can be used to establish a standardized technique for AR measurement and interpretation.