PM2.5 Concentration Calculator

Measure fine particles using gravimetric or sensor inputs. See categories, statistics, and uncertainty checks instantly. Download results, share tables, and improve air decisions safely.

Calculator Inputs

Choose lab-style mass/volume or timed readings.

Use the same balance for both weighings.
After sampling and conditioning.
Optional correction for artifacts.
Enter the volume reported by the sampler.
1 m³ = 1000 L.
Uses ideal gas scaling for volume.
At the flow measurement location.
Local or instrument-reported pressure.
Adjust if your protocol differs.
Often 101.325 kPa.

Blank rows are ignored.
# Reading (µg/m³) Duration (minutes)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Tip: use minutes or consistent time blocks from your logger.

Example Data Table

Scenario Inputs Output
Filter gravimetric mbefore=100.0000 mg, mafter=100.5000 mg, blank=0.0100 mg, volume=240 L, T=25°C, P=101.325 kPa C ≈ 2,041.67 µg/m³ (illustrative)
Sensor time-weighted 12 µg/m³ for 60 min, 25 µg/m³ for 30 min, 18 µg/m³ for 30 min TWA = 16.75 µg/m³
Examples are simplified to demonstrate inputs and outputs.

Formula Used

1) Gravimetric concentration

Net particulate mass is the filter mass gain, corrected by an optional blank: mnet(mg) = (mafter − mbefore) − mblank.

Convert to micrograms and divide by air volume in cubic meters: C(µg/m³) = (mnet × 1000) / V.

If standard correction is enabled, volume is adjusted using ideal gas scaling: Vstd = Vmeas × (Pmeas/Pstd) × (Tstd/Tmeas), with temperatures in Kelvin.

2) Time-weighted average (readings)

For readings with durations, the time-weighted average is: TWA = Σ(Ci·ti) / Σ(ti). This page also reports min, max, and weighted standard deviation.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select a calculation mode: filter gravimetric or time-weighted readings.
  2. Enter all required fields (marked with an asterisk).
  3. For gravimetric mode, keep units consistent and apply blank correction if available.
  4. Enable standard correction if your protocol requires corrected volumes.
  5. Press Calculate to see results above the form, then download CSV or PDF.

Why PM2.5 concentration matters in chemical workspaces

Fine particulate matter below 2.5 micrometers can carry acids, metals, soot, and reactive organics. In laboratories and process areas, these particles penetrate deep into lungs and also contaminate sensitive reactions, filters, and analytical balances. A consistent concentration estimate helps compare ventilation performance, evaluate housekeeping controls, and document background conditions during emissions studies or solvent handling.

Gravimetric pathway: mass gain and blank correction

The gravimetric method treats the sampling filter as a micro-balance experiment. You weigh the conditioned filter before and after sampling, then subtract an optional blank mass change to remove handling artifacts such as moisture uptake. Converting the net mass to micrograms creates a traceable numerator for concentration, suitable for chain-of-custody records and method validation summaries.

Volume normalization using temperature and pressure

Air volume reported by a sampler is influenced by ambient temperature and barometric pressure. For reporting consistency, many protocols normalize measured volume to standard conditions using ideal gas scaling. Applying this correction reduces bias when comparing winter and summer campaigns, indoor and outdoor locations, or sites at different elevations. The calculator shows both measured and corrected volumes to support auditing.

Sensor pathway: time-weighted concentration profiles

Direct-reading instruments provide rapid concentration estimates but often vary with humidity, aerosol composition, and calibration drift. When readings are logged over uneven time blocks, a time-weighted average captures the overall exposure level: each reading is multiplied by its duration and divided by total minutes. The calculator also reports range and weighted variability to highlight spikes that may drive short-term risk.

Quality checks and reporting-ready outputs

Professional reporting benefits from quick sanity checks. Negative net mass typically signals an overcorrected blank, static charge effects, or inconsistent conditioning. Extremely high concentrations can indicate filter overloading, flow faults, or nearby combustion sources. Exporting a structured CSV supports peer review and trend plotting, while a PDF summary attaches easily to inspections, incident notes, or project deliverables. Always pair calculations with documented flow verification, balance calibration, and field notes on humidity, maintenance, and co-pollutants for defensible interpretation. Include sampler flow logs and conditioning times to strengthen traceability during reviews.

FAQs

1) What units does the calculator output?

Results are reported as micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Gravimetric inputs in milligrams are converted to micrograms, and air volume is converted to cubic meters for consistency.

2) When should I enable standard volume correction?

Enable it when your method requires normalization to standard temperature and pressure. This improves comparability across days, seasons, and elevations, especially when conditions change during sampling.

3) Why can net mass become negative?

A negative net mass usually means the blank correction is too large, the filter lost moisture during conditioning, or the weighings were inconsistent. Recheck conditioning time, static control, and balance repeatability.

4) How many sensor rows can I enter?

You can enter between 2 and 12 rows. Blank rows are ignored, and the tool computes a time-weighted average using only valid concentration and duration pairs.

5) Does the variability metric replace uncertainty analysis?

No. The weighted standard deviation highlights fluctuations in logged readings, but it does not include instrument bias, calibration error, or sampling artifacts. Use your protocol’s uncertainty budget for formal reporting.

6) What is included in the CSV and PDF downloads?

The CSV stores a snapshot of inputs plus a result summary text. The PDF includes a formatted results section and all submitted inputs, ready to attach to field notes or audit packages.

Note: This tool is for estimation and reporting support. Follow your lab or monitoring protocol for regulatory reporting and quality assurance.

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