Calculate the missing value for absorbent mass, liquid volume, or absorption capacity using two inputs in g, kg, oz, lb, mL, L, or fl oz.

Absorption Capacity Calculator

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing variable


Related Calculators

Absorption Capacity Formula

The absorption capacity calculator uses the relationship between the mass of an absorbent material, the volume of liquid it absorbs, and the absorption capacity of the material.

AC = V / M
V = AC * M
M = V / AC
  • AC = absorption capacity
  • V = volume of liquid absorbed
  • M = mass of absorbent

The calculator converts all entered values to base units before solving: grams for mass, milliliters for volume, and mL/g for absorption capacity.

  • To calculate absorption capacity: enter mass and volume. The calculator divides liquid volume by absorbent mass.
  • To calculate volume absorbed: enter mass and absorption capacity. The calculator multiplies capacity by mass.
  • To calculate mass of absorbent: enter volume and absorption capacity. The calculator divides volume by capacity.

Unit Relationships Used for Absorption Capacity

These conversions show how the calculator standardizes values before applying the formula.

Measurement Unit Base conversion
Mass g 1 g
Mass kg 1 kg = 1000 g
Mass oz 1 oz = 28.3495 g
Mass lb 1 lb = 453.592 g
Volume mL 1 mL
Volume L 1 L = 1000 mL
Volume fl oz 1 fl oz = 29.5735 mL

Common Capacity Unit Equivalents

Capacity unit Equivalent in mL/g Note
mL/g 1 mL/g Base capacity unit
L/kg 1 mL/g Numerically equal to mL/g
fl oz/oz 1.04365 mL/g Converted using fluid ounces for volume and ounces for mass

Example Calculations

Example 1: Calculate absorption capacity

You have 50 g of absorbent that absorbs 200 mL of liquid.

AC = V / M
AC = 200 / 50 = 4 mL/g

The absorption capacity is 4 mL/g.

Example 2: Calculate required mass of absorbent

You need to absorb 2 L of liquid using a material with an absorption capacity of 5 mL/g.

First convert 2 L to milliliters:

2 L = 2000 mL

Then solve for mass:

M = V / AC
M = 2000 / 5 = 400 g

You need 400 g of absorbent.

FAQ

What does absorption capacity mean?

Absorption capacity tells you how much liquid a material can absorb per unit of its own mass. For example, a capacity of 6 mL/g means each gram of absorbent can hold 6 milliliters of liquid.

Is mL/g the same as L/kg?

Yes. The numerical value is the same because 1 L equals 1000 mL and 1 kg equals 1000 g. For example, 5 mL/g is equal to 5 L/kg.

Should the mass be the dry mass or wet mass of the absorbent?

Use the dry mass of the absorbent unless your testing method says otherwise. Absorption capacity is normally based on how much liquid a known dry mass can take up.