Buoyancy Calculator
Calculate buoyant force, volume, or fluid density using Archimedes' principle for floating and submerged objects
Calculate Buoyancy Parameters
Select a fluid or choose custom to enter your own density
Density of the fluid the object is immersed in
Volume of displaced fluid (submerged portion)
Earth: 9.81 m/s², Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s²
Calculation Results
Formula used: B = ρ × V × g
Displaced fluid mass: 0.000 kg
Input parameters: ρ = 1000.00 kg/m³, V = 0.000000 m³, g = 9.81 m/s²
Example Calculation
Floating Wooden Block
Scenario: Calculate buoyant force on submerged wood
Fluid: Fresh water (ρ = 1000 kg/m³)
Submerged volume: 0.03 m³
Gravity: 9.81 m/s²
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Apply Archimedes' principle: B = ρ × V × g
2. Substitute values: B = 1000 × 0.03 × 9.81
3. Calculate: B = 294.3 N
4. Result: Buoyant force = 294.3 N upward
5. Displaced fluid mass = 30 kg
Archimedes' Principle
Upthrust Force
Any object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward force
Displaced Fluid
Force equals weight of displaced fluid
Floating Condition
Object floats when buoyant force ≥ object weight
Common Fluid Densities
Applications
Ship design and stability analysis
Hot air balloons and airships
Swimming and diving equipment
Life jacket and safety equipment design
Density measurement and material testing
Submarine ballast systems
Understanding Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle
What is Buoyancy?
Buoyancy is the upward force that a fluid exerts on an object that is partially or completely immersed in it. This force opposes the weight of the object and can cause it to float if the buoyant force is greater than or equal to the object's weight.
Key Concepts
- •Buoyant force acts vertically upward through the center of buoyancy
- •Force magnitude equals weight of displaced fluid
- •Applies to all fluids: liquids and gases
- •Independent of object material (depends only on displaced volume)
Buoyancy Formula
B = ρ × V × g
- B: Buoyant force (N)
- ρ: Fluid density (kg/m³)
- V: Volume of displaced fluid (m³)
- g: Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
Note: The displaced volume equals the submerged volume of the object. For floating objects, this is less than the total object volume.
Floating vs. Sinking Conditions
Floating (ρ_object < ρ_fluid)
When the object's average density is less than the fluid density, buoyant force exceeds weight, causing the object to float partially submerged.
Neutral Buoyancy (ρ_object = ρ_fluid)
When densities are equal, buoyant force equals weight. The object remains suspended at any depth without rising or sinking.
Sinking (ρ_object > ρ_fluid)
When the object's density exceeds fluid density, weight exceeds buoyant force, causing the object to sink completely.