Per most manufacturers the minimum size duct allowed for range hoods is 3 ¼ by 10 which is equivalent to 6 round.
Range vent duct size.
4 round is 12.56 square inches.
Duct size depends on the cfm of your range hood.
It is not recommended to vent with more than two elbows.
Per the appliances forum faq on vent hoods:
What size vent is required for a range hood?
If you add elbows or an unusual length, then it should exceed that area.
Stel (electrical) (op) 13 oct 05 13:00 thanks to all for the advice.
The installation instructions for your model should include a formula to calculate the distance you need.
In other words, the duct size depends on the cfm of your range hood.
Larger ducting gives your kitchen air more space to move.
Vent could be plastic, but i usually use metal.
Range hoods typically found in popular big box stores are usually 30 to 36 inches in width and generally lack in power, ranging between only 100 cfm and 400 cfm.
If using rectangular ducting, please note:
Don't ever use 4 ducting or any plastic ducting on a range hood installation.
See the problem with using 4?
How far can you vent a range hood?
The higher the cubic feet per minute, the larger the duct you’ll need.
Air volume equivalent round air volume cfm 4 6 8 10 12 duct (inches) cfm 50 6 x 4 550 75 6 x 4 675 100 8 x 4 6 x 6 6 100 125 10 x 4 6 x 6 7 125