PM10 Concentration to AQI Calculator

Enter PM10 Concentration

PM10 value

Enter a non‑negative number.

Unit µg/m³ mg/m³

mg/m³ is converted to µg/m³ automatically.

Averaging period 24-hour (standard) 1-hour (reference only)

Breakpoints used are 24‑hour PM10.

Display decimals (input) 0 1 2

AQI is reported as an integer.

Calculate AQI Reset

Formula Used

This calculator uses linear interpolation between concentration breakpoints to compute the Air Quality Index:

• C is the PM10 concentration in µg/m³.
• C_lo, C_hi are the surrounding breakpoint concentrations.
• I_lo, I_hi are the corresponding AQI bounds.
• Final AQI is rounded to the nearest whole number.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Measure PM10 concentration from a monitor or dataset.
2. Enter the value and choose the correct unit.
3. Select the averaging period you are referencing.
4. Click Calculate AQI to view results above the form.
5. Use CSV or PDF buttons to export the result.

PM10 Breakpoints and Example Data

Values below use µg/m³ and 24-hour breakpoints for the air index.

Example Calculation Table

PM10 to AQI: Professional Notes and Guidance

1) What PM10 represents

PM10 describes inhalable particles with aerodynamic diameter up to 10 micrometers. Typical sources include road dust, construction activity, sea spray, agricultural soil, and combustion residue. Because particles can travel, a single reading can reflect neighborhood emissions and regional transport together.

2) Units, conversion, and averaging

Monitors commonly report PM10 in µg/m³; some datasets use mg/m³. This tool converts mg/m³ to µg/m³ by multiplying by 1000. AQI breakpoints here are based on a 24‑hour concentration. If you only have hourly values, interpret the output as a reference indicator, not a regulatory result.

3) Breakpoint ranges used

The index spans 0 to 500 and is mapped from 0 to 604 µg/m³ for PM10. The concentration bands used are 0–54, 55–154, 155–254, 255–354, 355–424, 425–504, and 505–604 µg/m³. Each band corresponds to an AQI segment: 0–50, 51–100, 101–150, 151–200, 201–300, 301–400, and 401–500.

4) Linear interpolation method

Most concentrations fall between breakpoint endpoints, so the calculator applies linear interpolation. It scales your concentration position within its band to the matching AQI segment. This produces a smooth AQI progression rather than abrupt jumps at breakpoint boundaries, and the final AQI is rounded to a whole number.

5) Interpreting categories responsibly

Categories summarize risk bands: Good (0–50), Moderate (51–100), Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150), Unhealthy (151–200), Very Unhealthy (201–300), and Hazardous (301–500). Use the guidance text as general planning support. For official alerts, follow your local authority’s messaging and standards.

6) Data quality checks you should apply

Before converting, confirm that the reading is time-aligned and quality-controlled. Watch for negative values, sensor warm-up spikes, and sudden step changes after maintenance. If you are using low-cost sensors, compare against a nearby reference station when possible and use consistent averaging windows.

7) Trend analysis and reporting

AQI is most useful for comparing time periods and communicating severity quickly. For trend work, keep the same averaging period and unit, then track daily medians or rolling averages. When exporting, include timestamp, concentration in µg/m³, AQI, and category so your report remains auditable.

8) Practical ways to use the output

Use the computed AQI to trigger operational decisions such as rescheduling outdoor work, adjusting ventilation schedules, or issuing community advisories. Pair the result with meteorology notes like wind and dryness, since dust and resuspension can dominate PM10 during calm, dry conditions.

FAQs

1) What is PM10, and why does it matter?

PM10 is particulate matter up to 10 µm. Higher levels can irritate airways and worsen respiratory symptoms. It is also a practical indicator of dust events and coarse pollution sources.

2) Which averaging period should I use?

Use a 24‑hour average when possible, because the breakpoint table is 24‑hour based. Hourly values can be converted for context, but they may not match official reporting.

3) Does the calculator cap the AQI?

Yes. If PM10 exceeds 604 µg/m³, the displayed AQI is capped at 500. This prevents extrapolating beyond the published index range.

4) Can I enter mg/m³ instead of µg/m³?

Yes. Select mg/m³ and the tool converts it to µg/m³ automatically using 1 mg/m³ = 1000 µg/m³, then applies the breakpoint calculation.

5) What if my value is negative or missing?

Negative concentrations are not physically meaningful for this use and are rejected. If data is missing, leave the field blank and gather a valid measurement before calculating.

6) Why might my agency’s AQI differ?

Agencies may use different standards, rounding rules, update schedules, or averaging definitions. Always compare against the same methodology used by the official source.

7) How do I export results?

After calculation, use “Download CSV” for a spreadsheet row or “Download PDF” for a printable report. Both include timestamp, concentration, AQI, and category.