Calculate moisture content percentage, wet weight, or dry weight by entering any two values with weight units in kilograms, pounds, or grams.

Wet basis divides water by wet weight; dry basis divides water by dry weight.
Weight before drying.
Oven-dry weight after moisture is removed.

Moisture Content Formula

The following formula can be used to calculate moisture content.

MC = (w - d) / w * 100

Formula source:  FAO – Farm Structures in Tropical Climates (Chapter 9: Crop handling, conditioning and storage)

  • Where MC is the moisture content (%)
  • w is the weight while wet
  • d is the weight while dry

To calculate a percentage moisture content, subtract the dry weight from the wet weight, divide the result by the wet weight, then multiply by 100.

Moisture Content Definition

Moisture content is defined as the percentage of the weight of a saturated object that is associated with water.

Moisture Content Example

How to calculate moisture content?

  1. First, determine the weight of the object while wet.

    Using a scale, we find the object to be 20g while wet.

  2. Next, determine the weight while dry.

    After drying the object, we weigh it again and find that the weight is 10g.

  3. Finally, calculate the moisture content.

    Using the formula we find the moisture content to be 50%.

FAQ

What is a moisture content?

Moisture content is a percentage of the total weight of an object that is due to moisture within the object.