Enter the total mass (kg) and the total area (m^2) into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Mass Per Unit Area. 

Mass Per Unit Area Formula

MPA = m / A

Variables:

  • MPA is the Mass Per Unit Area (kg/m^2)
  • m is the total mass (kg)
  • A is the total area (m^2)

To calculate Mass Per Unit Area, divide the total mass by the area.

How to Calculate Mass Per Unit Area?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Mass Per Unit Area.


  1. First, determine the total mass (kg). 
  2. Next, determine the total area (m^2). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = MPA = m / A.
  4. Finally, calculate the Mass Per Unit Area.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total mass (kg) = 4202

total area (m^2) = 123

FAQs

What is Mass Per Unit Area used for in real-world applications?

Mass Per Unit Area is crucial in materials science and engineering, particularly in the construction and textile industries. It helps in determining the weight distribution of materials, which is essential for assessing the structural integrity of buildings and the quality and comfort of fabrics.

How does the dimension of the area affect the calculation of Mass Per Unit Area?

The dimension of the area (measured in square meters, m^2) directly affects the calculation of Mass Per Unit Area. A larger area with the same mass will result in a smaller Mass Per Unit Area value, indicating that the mass is spread out more thinly over a larger area.

Can Mass Per Unit Area be used to calculate the thickness of a material?

Indirectly, yes. If the density of the material is known, Mass Per Unit Area can help calculate the thickness of a material by dividing the Mass Per Unit Area by the material’s density. This is particularly useful in manufacturing and product design.

Is there a difference between Mass Per Unit Area and density?

Yes, there is a fundamental difference. Mass Per Unit Area (kg/m^2) measures how much mass is distributed over a specific area, whereas density (kg/m^3) measures how much mass is contained in a specific volume. Both are important physical properties but are used in different contexts.