Air Density Calculator

Calculate air density based on temperature, pressure, and humidity using atmospheric physics

Calculate Air Density

Atmospheric pressure (standard: 1013.25 hPa)

Ambient air temperature

Select air type for calculation

Relative humidity percentage (0-100%)

Air Density Results

1.2211
kg/m³
Standard Ratio:0.997×
Air Quality:Normal
Relative Humidity:50.0%
Dew Point:4.7°C

Pressure: 1013.25 hPa

Temperature: 15.0°C (288.1 K)

Vapor Pressure: 8.53 hPa

Dry Air Pressure: 1004.72 hPa

Standard Density: 1.225 kg/m³

Interpretation: Standard atmospheric conditions

Altitude Effects on Air Density

Sea Level
1.225 kg/m³
Standard conditions
5,000 ft
1.06 kg/m³
13% decrease
10,000 ft
0.90 kg/m³
27% decrease

Example Calculation

Standard Conditions

Pressure: 1013.25 hPa

Temperature: 15°C (288.15 K)

Humidity: 50% RH

Air Type: Moist air

Calculation Steps

1. Saturation pressure: 17.04 hPa

2. Vapor pressure: 8.52 hPa

3. Dry air pressure: 1004.73 hPa

4. Dry air density: 1.216 kg/m³

5. Vapor density: 0.006 kg/m³

Total density: 1.222 kg/m³

Standard Atmospheric Conditions

1

STP (Standard Temperature & Pressure)

0°C, 1013.25 hPa

Density: 1.275 kg/m³

2

ISA (International Standard Atmosphere)

15°C, 1013.25 hPa

Density: 1.225 kg/m³

3

NTP (Normal Temperature & Pressure)

20°C, 1013.25 hPa

Density: 1.204 kg/m³

Air Properties

Dry air: ~78% N₂, ~21% O₂, ~1% Ar

Water vapor reduces air density (H₂O lighter than N₂/O₂)

Temperature increase decreases density

Pressure increase increases density

Altitude increase decreases density

Understanding Air Density

What is Air Density?

Air density (ρ) is the mass of air per unit volume, typically measured in kg/m³. It represents how tightly packed air molecules are in a given space and varies significantly with temperature, pressure, and humidity.

Why is it Important?

  • Aircraft performance and lift calculations
  • Meteorology and weather prediction
  • HVAC system design and efficiency
  • Wind turbine performance optimization

Calculation Formula

ρ = (pd/RdT) + (pv/RvT)

  • ρ: Air density (kg/m³)
  • pd: Dry air pressure (Pa)
  • pv: Water vapor pressure (Pa)
  • Rd: Dry air gas constant (287.058 J/kg·K)
  • Rv: Water vapor gas constant (461.495 J/kg·K)
  • T: Absolute temperature (K)

Note: For dry air, only the first term is used. Water vapor reduces overall density.

Factors Affecting Air Density

Temperature

Higher temperature → Lower density. Air molecules move faster and spread out more at higher temperatures.

Pressure

Higher pressure → Higher density. More air molecules are packed into the same volume.

Humidity

Higher humidity → Lower density. Water vapor (H₂O) is lighter than dry air molecules (N₂, O₂).