Prediction of single-sided natural ventilation is difficult due to the bi-directional flow at the opening and the complex flow around buildings. A new empirical model was developed that can predict the mean ventilation rate and fluctuating ventilation rate due to the pulsating flow and eddy penetration of single-sided, wind-driven natural ventilation in buildings. The governing equation is based on the non-uniform pressure distribution along the opening height. The new model shows that the ventilation rate and wind velocity are linearly correlated. This investigation studied the eddy penetration effect in the frequency domain based on fast Fourier transform. Large eddy simulation (LES) and experimental data were used to validate the new empirical model. The model has also been used to analyze the influence of the opening geometry and elevation on the ventilation rate. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.