Moisture content matters everywhere from soil compaction and timber drying to grain storage and food processing. Soil and timber are usually reported on a dry basis; food and grain on a wet basis.
How to use the Moisture Content Calculator
- Wet weight
- Dry weight
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Enter the wet and oven-dry weights of the sample.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Wet weight | Units: g, kg, mg, lb, oz, gr |
| Dry weight | Units: g, kg, mg, lb, oz, gr |
What each result means
- Water weight = [Wet weight] – [Dry weight]
- Moisture content (dry basis) = ([Wet weight] – [Dry weight])÷[Dry weight]×100
- Moisture content (wet basis) = ([Wet weight] – [Dry weight])÷[Wet weight]×100
Example values
How the main result changes when Wet weight changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Wet weight (g) | Moisture content (dry basis) (%) |
|---|---|
| 75 | -37.5 |
| 112.5 | -6.25 |
| 150 | 25 |
| 187.5 | 56.25 |
| 225 | 87.5 |
| 300 | 150 |
Formula
MC (dry basis) = (W_wet − W_dry)/W_dry × 100% · MC (wet basis) = (W_wet − W_dry)/W_wet × 100%
Worked example
Inputs — Wet weight: 150 g; Dry weight: 120 g.
Results — Water weight = 30 g; Moisture content (dry basis) = 25 %; Moisture content (wet basis) = 20 %.
Key terms
- Oven-dry weight
- Weight after all free water is driven off.
Frequently asked questions
Can dry-basis moisture exceed 100%?
Yes – when the water weighs more than the dry solids.
Which basis do foresters use?
Dry basis for timber.
How is dry weight found?
By drying in an oven at about 105 °C until the weight stops changing.
What moisture is good for firewood?
Below about 20% (dry basis).