Buoyancy Calculator

The Buoyancy Calculator helps users determine an object’s density, buoyant force, weight force, net force, and whether the object will float or sink based on its mass, volume, and the type of fluid it is submerged in.

Use Our Buoyancy Calculator

How to Use the Buoyancy Calculator

This guide will walk you through the process of using the Buoyancy Calculator to determine whether an object will float or sink in a specific fluid.

Step 1: Input Object Mass

  • Locate the field labeled Object Mass (kg).
  • Enter the mass of the object in kilograms in this field. Ensure the value is a positive number with at least three decimal precision, for example, 1.500 kg.
  • Note that the minimum value you can enter is 0.001 kg.

Step 2: Input Object Volume

  • Find the input field labeled Object Volume (m³).
  • Enter the volume of the object in cubic meters. Ensure this value is also a positive number, exceeding the minimum of 0.000001 m³, for example, 0.005 m³.

Step 3: Select Fluid Type

  • Identify the dropdown menu labeled Fluid Type.
  • Select one of the fluid options from the list:
    • Fresh Water (1000 kg/m³)
    • Salt Water (1025 kg/m³)
    • Air at sea level (1.225 kg/m³)
    • Mercury (13600 kg/m³)
  • Ensure a selection is made as this is a required field.

Step 4: Review Calculated Results

  • Once all inputs are provided, the calculator will automatically perform the calculations.
  • Examine the results displayed:
    • Object Density: This provides the density of the object in kg/m³, calculated as mass divided by volume, shown with two decimal precision.
    • Buoyant Force: This displays the buoyant force in Newtons that acts on the object, calculated by multiplying fluid density, object volume, and gravitational force (9.81 m/s²), rounded to two decimal places.
    • Weight Force: The gravitational force acting on the object is shown here in Newtons, calculated as object mass times gravitational force, also rounded to two decimal places.
    • Net Force: This result shows the difference between the weight force and the buoyant force, determining the net force on the object.
    • Object Will: This final result displays whether the object will Float or Sink, based on comparing object density and fluid density.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the Buoyancy Calculator to understand the buoyancy behavior of objects in various fluids.