Moisture Content Calculator
Free calculate moisture content on wet basis or dry basis. Get instant, accurate results with our easy-to-use calculator.
Input Parameters
Weight before drying
Weight after drying
Results
Enter weights to calculate
What is Moisture Content?
Moisture content (MC) is the amount of water present in a material, expressed as a percentage. It can be calculated on either a wet basis or dry basis, depending on the reference point.
Wet basis expresses moisture as a percentage of the total wet weight: MC_wb = (Wet - Dry)/Wet × 100%. Dry basis expresses it as a percentage of the dry weight: MC_db = (Wet - Dry)/Dry × 100%.
Moisture content is critical in agriculture (grain storage), food processing (quality control), materials science (wood, concrete), and manufacturing. Different industries use different basis types depending on their needs.
Moisture Content Formulas
Wet Basis
Percentage of total wet weight
Dry Basis
Percentage of dry weight
Conversion: MC_db = MC_wb / (100% - MC_wb) × 100%, MC_wb = MC_db / (100% + MC_db) × 100%
How to Calculate
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1
Measure wet weight
Weigh the sample before drying to get the wet weight (includes water).
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2
Dry the sample
Dry completely (oven, desiccator) and measure dry weight (water removed).
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3
Calculate water content
Water = Wet - Dry. This is the mass of water in the sample.
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4
Calculate moisture content
Wet basis: MC = (Wet - Dry)/Wet × 100%. Dry basis: MC = (Wet - Dry)/Dry × 100%.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Wet Basis
Wet weight: 100 g, Dry weight: 80 g.
Solution:
MC_wb = (100 - 80) / 100 × 100%
MC_wb = 20%
Example 2: Dry Basis
Wet weight: 100 g, Dry weight: 80 g.
Solution:
MC_db = (100 - 80) / 80 × 100%
MC_db = 25%
Applications
Agriculture
Monitoring grain moisture for storage, determining harvest timing, and ensuring quality. Critical for preventing spoilage and maintaining crop value.
Food Processing
Quality control in food manufacturing, ensuring proper drying, and meeting product specifications. Affects shelf life and texture.
Construction
Measuring moisture in wood, concrete, and building materials. Critical for structural integrity and preventing damage.
Education
Teaching material properties, understanding water content, and demonstrating measurement techniques in materials science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between wet and dry basis?
Wet basis uses total weight (including water) as denominator. Dry basis uses dry weight (excluding water) as denominator. Dry basis values are always higher than wet basis for the same sample.
Which basis should I use?
Food industry often uses wet basis (easier to understand - "20% water"). Agriculture and materials science often use dry basis (more useful for calculations - water relative to solid).
Can moisture content exceed 100%?
On dry basis, yes! If water mass exceeds dry mass, MC_db > 100%. On wet basis, MC_wb < 100% always (water can't exceed total weight).
How do I convert between bases?
MC_db = MC_wb / (100% - MC_wb) × 100%. MC_wb = MC_db / (100% + MC_db) × 100%. These conversions account for the different denominators.
What is equilibrium moisture content?
Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) is the moisture content a material reaches when exposed to constant temperature and relative humidity. It depends on material properties and environmental conditions.