Calculator Inputs
Use grams for all mass inputs to keep results consistent. Optional radiocarbon fields can support pMC-based reporting.
Formula Used
This calculator combines formulation mass balance and carbon balance. The mass-based result explains how much renewable material is present by weight, while the carbon-based result focuses on renewable carbon only. Optional pMC input helps compare formulation estimates with radiocarbon-style laboratory evidence.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a product name and batch ID to label the result sheet clearly.
- Provide the total sample mass for the full tested or formulated material.
- Enter bio-based material mass and fossil-based material mass from your recipe or composition data.
- Add moisture mass and ash mass when the sample includes water or inorganic residue.
- Enter total carbon mass and the portion of that carbon known to come from bio-based sources.
- Optionally enter measured pMC and the reference pMC when radiocarbon evidence is available.
- Choose decimal precision, then press the calculate button.
- Review wet basis, dry basis, organic basis, carbon basis, closure, and ratio outputs.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the finished results.
Example Data Table
| Product | Total Mass (g) | Bio Mass (g) | Fossil Mass (g) | Moisture (g) | Ash (g) | Total Carbon (g) | Bio Carbon (g) | Mass Bio % | Carbon Bio % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Polymer Blend A | 100.00 | 58.00 | 32.00 | 6.00 | 2.00 | 49.00 | 31.00 | 58.00% | 63.27% |
| Coated Resin B | 100.00 | 42.00 | 45.00 | 8.00 | 3.00 | 51.00 | 19.00 | 42.00% | 37.25% |
| Natural Fiber Composite C | 100.00 | 72.00 | 18.00 | 5.00 | 4.00 | 44.00 | 33.00 | 72.00% | 75.00% |
These values are illustrative examples for showing layout and expected output style.
FAQs
1. What does bio-based content mean here?
It means the portion of the product that comes from renewable biological sources. The calculator reports this by mass, dry mass, organic mass, and carbon content, so you can compare several reporting bases clearly.
2. Why can mass-based and carbon-based values differ?
Different ingredients contain different carbon levels. A component may be heavy but contain less carbon, or light but carbon-rich. That changes the carbon-basis result even when the mass-basis value looks similar.
3. Should moisture be counted as bio-based?
Usually no. Moisture is separated to avoid overstating renewable material content. The calculator removes it from dry-basis calculations, which often gives a more meaningful comparison between products.
4. Why is ash entered separately?
Ash represents inorganic residue such as minerals or fillers. Since ash does not contribute to organic carbon, separating it helps create a better organic-basis and carbon-basis interpretation.
5. What is pMC in this calculator?
pMC means percent modern carbon. It is often used in radiocarbon-based assessments. When you enter measured and reference pMC values, the calculator estimates a radiocarbon-based bio content percentage.
6. What does mass closure tell me?
Mass closure shows how much of the total sample has been assigned to bio material, fossil material, moisture, and ash. Lower closure can indicate missing ingredients, additives, solvents, or input rounding.
7. Can I use percentages instead of grams?
Use one consistent mass unit throughout the form. Grams are simplest. If you enter percentages, every input must use that same basis, and your interpretation should stay on a normalized scale.
8. Which result is best for sustainability reporting?
That depends on the standard you follow. Formulation work often uses mass and carbon calculations, while certification or laboratory programs may require radiocarbon evidence or a specific reporting basis.