PPM Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the ppm calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Concentration
ppm = mass_solute_mg / mass_solution_kgConcentration
ppb = (mass_solute_mg / mass_solution_kg) * 1000Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
mass_solute_mg | Mass of Solute(mg) | 5 |
mass_solution_kg | Mass of Solution(kg) | 1 |
How It Works
How to Calculate PPM
Formula
ppm = mass of solute (mg) / mass of solution (kg)
Equivalent to mg/L for dilute aqueous solutions. 1 ppm = 1 part per 1,000,000 parts.
Worked Example
5 mg of fluoride in 1 kg of water.
mass_solute_mg = 5mass_solution_kg = 1
- 01ppm = 5 mg / 1 kg
- 02ppm = 5 ppm
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ppm stand for?
Parts per million. It represents one unit of solute per one million units of solution.
How do you convert ppm to percent?
Divide by 10,000. For example, 5000 ppm = 0.5%.
Is ppm the same as mg/L?
For dilute aqueous solutions at room temperature (density ~1 kg/L), ppm and mg/L are essentially equivalent.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open PPM Calculator