Enter wet mass, dry mass, tare, and volume. Review moisture, density, water mass, and trends. Download records quickly for audits, labs, and site documentation.
| Sample ID | Wet + Container | Dry + Container | Tare | Volume | Wet Soil Mass | Dry Soil Mass | Water Mass | Moisture % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM-101 | 186.40 | 165.10 | 42.50 | 100.00 | 143.90 | 122.60 | 21.30 | 17.37% |
| SM-102 | 192.30 | 170.80 | 42.50 | 100.00 | 149.80 | 128.30 | 21.50 | 16.76% |
| SM-103 | 181.90 | 160.40 | 42.50 | 100.00 | 139.40 | 117.90 | 21.50 | 18.24% |
1) Wet soil mass
Wet Soil Mass = (Wet Mass + Container) − Tare Mass
2) Dry soil mass
Dry Soil Mass = (Dry Mass + Container) − Tare Mass
3) Water mass
Water Mass = Wet Soil Mass − Dry Soil Mass
4) Gravimetric moisture content
Moisture Content, w = Water Mass ÷ Dry Soil Mass
5) Moisture percentage
Moisture % = w × 100
6) Dry density
Dry Density = Dry Soil Mass ÷ Sample Volume
7) Volumetric moisture
Volumetric Moisture % = w × Dry Density × 100
8) Void ratio and saturation
Void Ratio, e = (Gs ÷ Dry Density) − 1
Degree of Saturation % = (w × Gs ÷ e) × 100
For density, void ratio, and saturation outputs, use grams for mass and cubic centimeters for volume.
Gravimetric soil moisture analysis is a standard field and laboratory method. It measures how much water exists in a soil sample relative to the dry soil mass. Construction teams use it during earthwork, trench backfill, embankment preparation, foundation filling, and pavement subgrade control. The value helps crews compare site moisture with target compaction ranges.
The process is direct and dependable. A moist sample is weighed first. Then the sample is dried in an oven. After drying, the sample is weighed again. The mass difference represents the water lost during drying. Dividing that water mass by the dry soil mass gives gravimetric moisture content. This method is simple, traceable, and useful for documentation.
Moisture content affects compaction performance, bearing behavior, and material handling. Soil that is too dry may not compact well. Soil that is too wet may pump, deform, or lose strength. By checking moisture quickly, site staff can decide whether to aerate material, add water, remix stockpiles, or delay placement. Good moisture control supports stronger layers and more consistent field density results.
This calculator also estimates wet density, dry density, volumetric moisture, void ratio, and degree of saturation when supporting inputs are available. These added outputs help engineers review sample behavior in more detail. They are especially useful when comparing laboratory moisture results with compaction data, density testing, or geotechnical design assumptions.
Clear reporting matters on active projects. The included result table, calculation log, chart, CSV export, and PDF export make documentation easier. Supervisors, inspectors, and lab staff can keep a clean record of sample checks for audits, daily reports, and quality files.
It is the ratio of water mass to dry soil mass. The result is usually shown as a percentage. This value helps construction teams judge whether soil is suitable for compaction or needs moisture adjustment.
The tare mass removes the container weight from both wet and dry measurements. Without it, the soil masses would be incorrect and the moisture calculation would be unreliable.
Yes. Wet, dry, and tare masses only need the same unit. However, density, volumetric moisture, and saturation outputs are most meaningful when mass is in grams and volume is in cubic centimeters.
The calculator still gives gravimetric moisture results. Density-based outputs remain unavailable unless you provide sample volume or wet bulk density.
Drying removes water from the sample. Since water has mass, the dried sample becomes lighter. If dry mass exceeds wet mass, check the entered values for an input mistake.
Enter specific gravity when you want added geotechnical outputs, such as void ratio and degree of saturation. If you only need moisture content, you can leave it blank.
Yes. It is useful for quick review, recordkeeping, and reporting. Still, project decisions should follow your specification limits, test method, and laboratory or site quality procedures.
Yes. The result block can be downloaded as CSV and PDF. The session log also stays visible so you can track recent samples during the current browser session.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.