PPM Calculator
Convert concentration to parts per million
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PPM exactly?
PPM stands for “parts per million”, meaning a concentration of 1 in 1,000,000. It’s commonly used to measure very dilute concentrations of substances.
How is PPM calculated?
PPM is calculated as: (Mass of solute / Mass of solution) × 1,000,000. In water solutions, this simplifies to mg/L since 1 L of water ≈ 1000 g.
When should I use PPM?
PPM is ideal for very dilute concentrations. It’s commonly used in environmental science, chemistry, and water treatment where minute quantities of substances matter.
How does PPM relate to percentage concentration?
1% concentration equals 10,000 PPM. To convert: multiply percent by 10,000 or divide PPM by 10,000 to get percentage.
Why isn’t PPM exactly the same for all solutions?
PPM calculations assume the solution’s density is the same as water. For highly concentrated or viscous solutions, this may introduce small errors in accuracy.
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculator is accurate for most general purposes. For precision work, account for temperature-dependent density changes or use specialized lab equipment.
What’s the relation between mg/L and PPM?
For dilute aqueous solutions where water is the solvent, mg/L is exactly equivalent to PPM. This is based on water’s density being 1 kg/L.
Can PPM be used with gases?
Yes, but with caution. For gases, PPM is typically calculated by volume. For example, 400 PPM CO₂ in the atmosphere is 400 μL per liter of air, not 400 mg per liter.
How do I use this in my lab work?
This calculator can help determine dilutions, prepare standard solutions, or convert between units for your experiments. Always verify with lab equipment for critical work.
What are common PPM levels in drinking water?
Common drinking water standards include: Lead < 15 PPM, Fluoride 0.7-1.2 PPM, Nitrate < 10 PPM. Each substance has its own acceptable range.