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Relative Humidity Calculator

Calculate relative humidity from temperature and dew point or vapor pressures

Calculate Relative Humidity

Ambient air temperature

Temperature at which condensation occurs

53.8%
Relative Humidity
Slightly humid but generally comfortable

Absolute Humidity

12.36
g/m³

Specific Humidity

10.52
g/kg

Vapor Pressure Analysis

1.703
Actual Vapor Pressure (kPa)
3.163
Saturation Pressure (kPa)
15.0
Dew Point (°C)
25.0
Heat Index (°C)

Formula Used

Magnus Formula: RH = 100 × [e^(17.625×Dp/(243.04+Dp)) / e^(17.625×T/(243.04+T))]

Where: T = air temperature (°C), Dp = dew point (°C)

Example Calculation

Summer Weather Conditions

Air Temperature: 35°C (95°F)

Dew Point: 21.1°C (70°F)

Problem: Calculate the relative humidity

Solution Steps

1. Apply Magnus formula coefficients: β = 17.625, λ = 243.04°C

2. Calculate saturation vapor pressure at 35°C: Pws = 5.627 kPa

3. Calculate vapor pressure at dew point (21.1°C): Pw = 2.504 kPa

4. RH = 100 × (2.504 / 5.627) = 44.5%

Result: Moderate humidity on a hot day

Humidity Comfort Zones

> 70% RH

Too humid - muggy feeling

50-70% RH

Acceptable - slightly humid

30-50% RH

Optimal comfort zone

< 30% RH

Too dry - skin irritation

Quick Facts

100% Relative Humidity

Air is fully saturated with water vapor

Temperature Effect

Higher temperature = lower relative humidity (same moisture)

Dew Point

Temperature when air becomes saturated

Magnus Formula

Uses coefficients β=17.625 and λ=243.04°C

Measurement Methods

🌡️

Psychrometer - wet/dry bulb temperatures

📏

Hair hygrometer - hair length changes

Capacitive sensors - electrical properties

🪞

Chilled mirror - dew point detection

Understanding Relative Humidity

What is Relative Humidity?

Relative humidity is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.

Why It Matters

  • Comfort: Affects how temperature feels to our body
  • Health: Impacts respiratory comfort and skin condition
  • Industry: Critical for manufacturing and storage
  • Weather: Key parameter in meteorological forecasting

Calculation Methods

This calculator uses the Magnus formula, which is highly accurate for meteorological applications. The formula relates temperature, dew point, and relative humidity using empirically derived coefficients.

Health Effects

  • Low (<30%): Dry skin, respiratory irritation, static electricity
  • Optimal (30-50%): Maximum comfort and health
  • High (>70%): Mold growth, reduced cooling efficiency

Mathematical Relationships

RH = 100 × (Pw / Pws)

Basic relative humidity definition

Pws = 0.61121 × e^(17.625×T/(243.04+T))

Magnus formula for saturation pressure

H = (Pw × 2165) / (T + 273.15)

Absolute humidity calculation

q = 0.622 × Pw / (P - 0.378 × Pw)

Specific humidity formula

Variables:
• RH = Relative humidity (%)
• Pw = Vapor pressure (kPa)
• Pws = Saturation vapor pressure (kPa)
Constants:
• 17.625 = Magnus coefficient β
• 243.04°C = Magnus coefficient λ
• 0.61121 kPa = Base pressure constant
Applications:
• HVAC system design
• Weather forecasting
• Industrial process control