ppm – parts per million

ppm is an abbreviation of parts per million. ppm is a value that represents the part of a whole number in units of 1/1000000.

ppm is dimensionless quantity, a ratio of 2 quantities of the same unit. For example: mg/kg.

One ppm is equal to 1/1000000 of the whole:

1ppm = 1/1000000 = 0.000001 = 1×10 -6

One ppm is equal to 0.0001%:

ppmw

ppmw is an abbreviation of parts per million weight, a subunit of ppm that is used for part of weights like milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

ppmv

ppmv is an abbreviation of parts per million volume, a subunit of ppm that is used for part of volumes like milliliters per cubic meter (ml/m 3 ).

Parts-per notations

Other part-per notations are written here:

Chemical concentration

ppm is used to measure chemical concentration, usually in a solution of water.

Solute concentration of 1 ppm is solute concentration of 1/1000000 of the solution.

The concentration C in ppm is calculated from the solute mass m_solute in milligrams and the solution mass m_solution in milligrams .

C_(ppm) = 1000000 × m_solute / (m_solution + m_solute)

Usually the solute mass m_solute is much smaller than the solution mass m_solution.

Then the concentration C in ppm is equal to 1000000 times the solute mass m_solute in milligrams (mg) divided by the solution mass m_solution in milligrams (mg):

The concentration C in ppm is also equal to the solute mass m_solute in milligrams (mg) divided by the solution mass m_solution in kilograms (kg):

When the solution is water, the volume of mass of one kilogram is approximately one liter.

The concentration C in ppm is also equal to the solute mass m_solute in milligrams (mg) divided by the water solution volume V_solution in liters (l):

Concentration of CO₂

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is about 388ppm.

Frequency stability

The frequency stability of an electronic oscillator component can be measured in ppm.

The maximal frequency variation Δf, divided by the frequency f is equal to the frequency stability

Example

Oscillator with frequency of 32MHz and accuracy of ±200ppm, has frequency accuracy of

Δf_(Hz) = ±200ppm × 32MHz / 1000000 = ±6.4kHz

So the oscillator produces clock signal within the range of 32MHz±6.4kHz.

The supplied frequency variation is caused from temperature change, aging, supply voltage and load changes.

Decimal, percent, permille, ppm, ppb, ppt conversion calculator

Enter proportion part in one of the text boxes and press the Convert button:

Moles per liter (mol/L) to milligarms per liter (mg/L) to ppm conversion calculator

Water solution, molar concentration (molarity) to milligrams per liter to parts per million (ppm) converter.

PPM conversions

How to convert ppm to decimal fraction

The part P in decimal is equal to the part P in ppm divided by 1000000:

P_(decimal) = P_(ppm) / 1000000

Example

Find the decimal fraction of 300ppm:

P_(decimal) = 300ppm / 1000000 = 0.0003

How to convert decimal fraction to ppm

The part P in ppm is equal to the part P in decimal times 1000000:

P_(ppm) = P_(decimal) × 1000000

Example

Find how many ppm are in 0.0034:

P_(ppm) = 0.0034 × 1000000 = 3400ppm

How to convert ppm to percent

The part P in percent (%) is equal to the part P in ppm divided by 10000:

Example

Find how many percent are in 6ppm:

P_(%) = 6ppm / 10000 = 0.0006%

How to convert percent to ppm

The part P in ppm is equal to the part P in percent (%) times 10000:

Example

Find how many ppm are in 6%:

P_(ppm) = 6% × 10000 = 60000ppm

How to convert ppb to ppm

The part P in ppm is equal to the part P in ppb divided by 1000:

Example

Find how many ppm are in 6ppb:

P_(ppm) = 6ppb / 1000 = 0.006ppm

How to convert ppm to ppb

The part P in ppb is equal to the part P in ppm times 1000:

Example

Find how many ppb are in 6ppm:

P_(ppb) = 6ppm × 1000 = 6000ppb

How to convert milligrams/liter to ppm

The concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to the concentration C in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and equal to 1000 times the concentration C in milligrams per liter (mg/L), divided by the solution density ρ in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ):

In water solution, the concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to 1000 times the concentration C in milligrams per liter (mg/L) divided by the water solution density at temperature of 20ºC, 998.2071 in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ) and approximately equal to the concentration C in milligrams per liter (mg/L):

How to convert grams/liter to ppm

The concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to 1000 times the concentration C in grams per kilogram (g/kg) and equal to 1000000 times the concentration C in grams per liter (g/L), divided by the solution density ρ in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ):

In water solution, the concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to 1000 times the concentration C in grams per kilogram (g/kg) and equal to 1000000 times the concentration C in grams per liter (g/L), divided by the water solution density at temperature of 20ºC 998.2071 in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ) and approximately equal to 1000 times the concentration C in milligrams per liter (mg/L):

How to convert moles/liter to ppm

The concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to the concentration C in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and equal to 1000000 times the molar concentration (molarity) c in moles per liter (mol/L), times the solute molar mass in grams per mole (g/mol), divided by the solution density ρ in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ):

In water solution, the concentration C in parts-per million (ppm) is equal to the concentration C in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and equal to 1000000 times the molar concentration (molarity) c in moles per liter (mol/L), times the solute molar mass in grams per mole (g/mol), divided by the water solution density at temperature of 20ºC 998.2071 in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m 3 ):

How to convert ppm to Hz

The frequency variation in hertz (Hz) is equal to the frequency stability FS in ppm times the frequency in hertz (Hz) divided by 1000000:

Example

Oscillator with frequency of 32MHz and accuracy of ±200ppm, has frequency accu0racy of

Δf_(Hz) = ±200ppm × 32MHz / 1000000 = ±6.4kHz

So the oscillator produces clock signal within the range of 32MHz±6.4kHz.

ppm to ratio, percent, ppb, ppt conversion table

See also

• ppm to percent conversion
• ppm to ppb conversion
• ppm to ppt conversion
• percent to ppm conversion
• ppb to ppm conversion
• ppt to ppm conversion
• Percentage (%)
• Per-mille (‰)
• Electrical units
• Math symbols
• Numbers

What Is Parts Per Million (ppm)? How Is It Calculated?

Parts per million (ppm) is a unit typically used to express the concentration of a substance in a solution or mixture. However, ppm can also be used to determine parts and quality in the automotive industry. The ppm value is calculated by dividing the mass or volume of the substance by the total mass or volume of the solution and then multiplying the result by one million. This gives us the concentration of the substance in parts per million or ppm.

In the world of scientific measurements, parts per million (ppm) is a term that is frequently used. But what exactly is ppm and how is it measured?

In various fields like chemistry and environmental science, the measurement of concentration is crucial. One widely used measure of concentration is parts per million (ppm), which quantifies the amount of a specific substance in a larger mixture, providing valuable insights into the composition of various substances. In this article, we will explore the concept of ppm, its calculation methods, and its significance in different industries.

The History Of PPM

In the early years, chemists and physicists used various methods to determine the concentration of substances in a solution. This involved measuring the mass or volume of the substance and comparing it to the total mass or volume of the solution. These measurements were often expressed as a ratio or a percentage.

As scientific knowledge and technology advanced, researchers realized the need for a more precise and standardized measurement system, which led to the development of the parts per million measurements. The concept behind ppm is simple – it represents the number of parts of a substance per one million parts of a solution.

The ppm measurement system gained widespread popularity in various fields, including chemistry, environmental science, and industry. Its use became particularly important in areas such as water quality testing, air pollution monitoring, and industrial process control. By providing a standardized unit of measurement, ppm allows scientists and engineers to compare data and make informed decisions based on accurate information.

Today, ppm is an essential tool in many scientific disciplines. It allows researchers to quantify the concentration of substances in a solution or a mixture with great precision. Whether it’s monitoring pollutants in the air, analyzing water samples for causes and effects of water pollution, or ensuring product quality in manufacturing processes, ppm measurement plays a crucial role in understanding and managing our environment.

Calculating PPM: Volume Vs Mass

To grasp the concept of ppm calculation, let’s consider examples using both volume and mass measurements. Suppose you have 1 liter of water with 0.2 grams of salt dissolved in it. Since 1 liter of water is equivalent to 1 kilogram of mass, the total mass in this example is 1 kilogram. To determine the proportion of salt in the water, you can use the following calculation:

Salt concentration = (0.2 g / 1 kg) = 0.0002 (parts per part or parts per 1)

To convert this value to ppm, multiply it by 1,000,000 (10^6):

Salt concentration in ppm = 0.0002 × 10^6 = 200 PPM

Similarly, volume calculations can also be used to calculate ppm. For instance, if you have a sample of 1 cubic meter of air with 0.0004 cubic meters of carbon dioxide, the ppm concentration of carbon dioxide can be determined as follows:

Cabon dioxide (CO2) concentration = (0.0004 m^3 / 1 m^3) = 0.0004 (parts per part or parts per 1)

To convert this value to ppm, multiply by 1,000,000:

CO2 concentration in ppm = 0.0004 × 10^6 = 400 PPM

PPM Calculator & Formula

While the above calculations can be performed manually, there are numerous online ppm calculators available for added convenience. These calculators require inputting the same type of quantity (either volume or mass) providing you with accurate results.

It is important to note that a measure of milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water is also considered a ppm amount by mass, given that 1 liter of water has a mass of 1 kilogram.

PPM Conversion From Percentage

Converting ppm from a percentage is a straightforward process! Since a percentage represents “per hundred,” multiplying the percentage value by 10,000 will yield the ppm value. The formula for this conversion is as follows: ppm = (percentage value) × 10,000

For example, if you have a concentration expressed as a percentage, you can easily convert it to ppm using the above formula.

Industries That Use PPM Measurements

As mentioned, ppm measurements are used to express the level of pollutants, contaminants, or other substances in various materials or environments. Therefore, several industries rely on ppm measurements to ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of their products or processes.

Water Treatments

One industry that heavily relies on ppm measurements is the water treatment industry. Water treatment plants use ppm measurements to monitor the levels of various contaminants in water sources, including measuring the concentration of chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride, and heavy metals like lead or mercury.

By ensuring that these substances are within safe limits, water treatment plants can provide clean and safe drinking water to communities. Parts per million measurements are also used in wastewater treatment to monitor the levels of pollutants before releasing the treated water back into the environment.

Aquaculture/Aquariums

If you are a keen aquarist or work in the aquaculture industry, you are probably already familiar with ppm. Measuring dissolved oxygen in water is one of the most common uses of ppm. Dissolved oxygen levels in water play a critical role in the survival of aquatic animals and plants. Therefore, aquarists can identify the causes of low dissolved oxygen in water by using ppm measurements.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical companies use ppm measurements to determine the concentration of active ingredients in medications. This is crucial to ensure the strength and effectiveness of drugs.

The ppm measurements are also used to monitor impurities or contaminants that may be present in the manufacturing process of drugs or vaccines. By maintaining strict control over ppm levels, pharmaceutical companies can ensure that their products meet regulatory standards and are safe for sale/use to the general public.

Food & Beverages

Food and beverage manufacturers use ppm measurements to monitor the levels of additives, preservatives, and contaminants in their products. This includes measuring the concentration of substances such as food dyes, pesticides, or heavy metals during manufacturing/brewing processes like fermentation. By maintaining accurate ppm measurements, food manufacturers can ensure that their products are safe for consumption and comply with food safety regulations.

Environmental Industries

Different types of environmental monitoring heavily rely on ppm measurements to assess pollution levels in air, soil, and water. For example, scientists depend on ppm measurements to measure CO2 levels in our atmosphere. Because of ppm measurements, we can measure the level of CO2 and determine the maximum “safe” concentration, which according to the latest science is 350 ppm. However, atmospheric CO2 has been measured >400 ppm, and therefore we must continue to measure ppm levels and try to decrease CO2 emissions.

Environmental agencies and organizations also use ppm measurements to determine the concentration of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ozone, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These measurements help identify areas of concern and develop strategies for pollution control and mitigation.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, ppm measurements are used to monitor the levels of pollutants emitted by vehicles, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) or particulate matter. This helps automotive manufacturers ensure that their vehicles meet emission standards and environmental regulations. Parts per million measurements are also used during the production process to monitor the quality and consistency of materials used in vehicle components; ppm is used as an established key performance indicator (KPI).

The Significance Of PPM In Quality Performance

Parts per million measurements are not only used in scientific measurements but also play a vital role in quality performance assessments. Customers often employ ppm as a measurement to evaluate the quality of products or services.

Initially, a defect rate of less than 1% (10,000 ppm) was considered acceptable for suppliers. However over time, expectations have increased, and the target defect rate for most automotive components is now 25 ppm or 0.0025%.

To illustrate the significance of ppm, let’s consider a scenario where you had 25 defective pieces in a shipment of 1,000 pieces. To calculate the ppm, divide the number of defective pieces by the total number of pieces and multiply by 1,000,000:

Defective pieces = 25

Total pieces = 1000

ppm = (25 / 1000) × 1,000,000 = 25,000 PPM

In this case, the ppm represents the number of defective pieces per million.

Achieving Low PPM Rates

Maintaining low ppm rates requires a systematic and scientific approach to design and manufacturing. More is needed to rely on traditional manufacturing methods that allow for higher scrap rates. To achieve the target PPM rates, careful planning, design, and execution are essential.

The monitoring and measurement systems available today enable better control over the manufacturing process, leading to improved quality outcomes. Quality cannot be inspected after the fact; it must be integrated into every stage of the production process.

The Role Of Measurement In Quality Control

Measurement is a fundamental aspect of quality control. By accurately measuring and quantifying various parameters, it becomes possible to identify deviations and take corrective actions promptly. PPM serves as an important metric for assessing product quality and identifying areas for improvement.

multimeter, electronic card, microschemes and instruments

In a hypothetical scenario where a company produces 10,000,000 parts per year, operating for 250 days, and aiming for a ppm requirement of 25, the permissible number of defective parts would be 250 per year. This equates to only one defective part per day for the entire plant, emphasizing the need for rigorous quality control measures.

Summary

Parts per million (ppm) is a measure of concentration widely used in various industries, including chemistry and quality performance assessments as it provides valuable insights into the composition of substances and serves as a metric for evaluating product quality. It is calculated using volume or mass measurements, however, now there are many online calculators available for convenience.

If you have any questions regarding ppm or what products we offer to measure ppm levels, do not hesitate to contact the world-class team at Atlas Scientific.