Humidity

Conversions
Formulas and methods for calculating humidity parameters

Psychrometric Chart (sea level)

Td/f
RH

A
T=Td/f

MIXING RATIO, gw / kgdrygas

Fn (T, p)
F
Pws/Pis
F (T, M) F (T, p)
saturation

h F (T) x F (p, M) Pw

F (T, p)

F (p)
Fn (T, p)
F (p, M)

ppmv

Tw
ppmm

TEMPERATURE, °C
Table of contents
1. Foreword............................................................................................................................................................................................................3

2. Water vapor saturation pressure – Pws and Pis.................................................................................................................................................4

2.1 Enhancement factor – f...............................................................................................................................................................................5

3. Relative humidity – RH...................................................................................................................................................................................................6

4. Dew point and frost point – Td/f................................................................................................................................................6

4.1 Dew point to vapor pressure – Td to Pw.....................................................................................................................6

4.2 Vapor pressure to dew point – Pw to Td.....................................................................................................................6

4.3 Frost point to vapor pressure – Tf to Pw................................................................................................................... 8

4.4 Vapor pressure to frost point – Pw to Tf....................................................................................................................9

5. Absolute humidity – A..................................................................................................................................................................................................10

6. Mixing ratio – x.................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

7. Enthalpy – h........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

8. H 2 O content – ppm (parts per million)................................................................................................................................................ 12

8.1 ppm V dry – VolumeH2O  /volumedry.................................................................................................................................. 12

8.2 ppmm dry – MassH2O /massdry......................................................................................................................................... 12

8.3 ppmV wet – VolumeH2O /volumewet.................................................................................................................................. 12

8.4 ppmm wet – MassH2O /masswet........................................................................................................................................ 12

9. Wet bulb temperature – TW..................................................................................................................................................... 13

9.1 Wet bulb to vapor pressure – Tw to Pw.................................................................................................................... 13

9.2 Vapor pressure to wet bulb – Pw to Tw..................................................................................................................... 13

10. Molecular weight..........................................................................................................................................................................................15

11. Conversions to imperial units.................................................................................................................................................................16

12. References......................................................................................................................................................................................................16

2
Humidity conversions

1. Foreword
This document describes the functions and methods for calculating different humidity variables. As shown in
the diagram below, the partial vapor pressure (Pw) and saturation vapor pressure (Pws/Pis) are the key factors
in parametric calculations. Other parameters can be derived from these parameters by using functions,
iterative methods, and the auxiliary parameters: temperature and pressure. This document uses units from the
International System of Units (SI); conversions to imperial units can be found in chapter 11.

Td/f
RH

A
T=Td/f
Fn (T, p)
F
Pws/Pis
F (T, M) F (T, p)

saturation

h F (T) x F (p, M) Pw

F (T, p)

F (p)
Fn (T, p)
F (p, M)

ppmv

Tw
ppmm

Pws / Pis = Vapor saturation pressure over water / ice in Pa

Pw = Vapor pressure in Pa
RH = Relative humidity
Td/f = Dew point / Frost point in °C
A = Absolute humidity in g/m3
x = Mixing ratio in g/kg
h = Enthalpy in kJ/kg
ppmv = Parts per million (volume H2O /volume gas)
ppmm = Parts per million (mass H2O /mass gas)
Tw/i = Wet bulb / Frost bulb temperature in °C
F(T, p, M) = Function with auxiliary quantities: temperature, pressure, or molar mass
F (T, p)
n
= Iterative method with auxiliary quantities: temperature and pressure

3
2. Water vapor saturation pressure – Pws and Pis
Many saturation vapor pressure equations exist to calculate the saturation pressure of water vapor over a
surface of liquid water or ice. Water vapor saturation pressure can be calculated using, for example Sonntag’s
equation [1]. This equation is valid in temperature range from -100 °C to 100 °C.

𝑒𝑒!" (𝑇𝑇# ) 𝑎𝑎
2 = 𝑎𝑎% ∙ 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 8𝑇𝑇 1 +𝑎𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑎3 𝑇𝑇𝐾𝐾 + 𝑎𝑎4 𝑇𝑇2𝐾𝐾 + 𝑎𝑎5 ln9𝑎𝑎- ∙ 𝑇𝑇𝐾𝐾 :;, where
where (1) (1)
𝑒𝑒$" (𝑇𝑇# ) 𝐾𝐾

ews = Saturation vapor pressure over water in Pa
eis = Saturation vapor pressure above ice in Pa
TK = Temperature in K

Table 1. Numerical values for coefficients a 0 ... a 6

Coefficients Over water (Pws) Over ice (Pis)

an (0 °C to 100 °C) (-100 °C to 0 °C)

a0 1 Pa 1 Pa

a1 -6.0969385E+3 K -6.0245282E+3 K

a2 2.12409642E+1 2.932707E+1

a3 -2.711193E-2 K-1 1.0613868E-2 K-1

a4 1.673952E-5 K-2 -1.3198825E-5 K-2

a5 2.433502 -4.9382577E-1

a6 1 K-1 1 K-1

In this document the equation is supplemented with an enhancement factor (f) to cover a pressure
range from 0 to 2 MPa.

Pws (TK , p) = ews • f (Tk-273.15, p), or

Pis (Tk ,p) = eis • f (Tk-273.15, p), where (2)

Pws = Saturation vapor pressure above water in Pa

Pis = Saturation vapor pressure above ice in Pa
f = Enhancement factor, see next chapter
p = Total pressure in Pa.

Example:

What is the vapor saturation pressure at 20 °C?

T = 20 °C => TK = 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K

p = Sea level = 101325 Pa
Pws = 2339.25 Pa

4
 Humidity
Humidity
Humidity
Humidity
conversions
conversions
conversions
conversions 44(14)
4(14)
4(14)
(14)

2.1 Enhancement factor – f

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PPwsPws
ePws = =
ws===
= Saturation
Saturation
Saturation
Saturation
vapor
Saturation
Saturation vapor
vapor
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vapor
vaporpressure
pressure
pressureininin
pressure
pressure Pa
in
PaPa
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ws
ews vapor pressure over water
PPisPisee=P
is=is=
is =
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Saturation vapor
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vaporpressure
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Temperature in °Cin
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Table
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22Numerical
Table2Numerical
2Numerical
Numerical
values
values
values
values
for
for
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coefficients
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coefficients
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a1
a1a1
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Table Numerical values
Numericalvalues for
valuesfor coefficients
forcoefficients
coefficientsa0a1
a1 .......a3a4
a4 and
and b0b1
and b1 ... ....
b3b4 b4[3][3]
Coefficients
Coefficients
Coefficients
CoefficientsAbove
Above
Above
Abovewater
water
water
water Above
Above
Above
Above Above
Above
Above
Aboveice
ice
ice
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aananCoefficients
&
an&
n&
b&
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100
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°C)
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°C)
an & bn (0 °C to 100 °C) water
water
water
water
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(-50
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to
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to
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°C) 0
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0°C)°C)
°C)
a 3.5362400E-4 3.6218300E-4 3.6444900E-4
aa1a1 a
0
11 3.5362400E-04
3.5362400E-04
3.5362400E-04
3.5362400E-04 3.6218300E-4
3.6218300E-4
3.6218300E-4
3.6218300E-4 3.6444900E-04
3.6444900E-04
3.6444900E-04
3.6444900E-04
a1 2.9328363E-5 °C-1 2.6061244E-5 °C-1 2.9367585E-5 °C-1
aa2a2a
22 2.9328363E-05
2.9328363E-05
2.9328363E-05
2.9328363E-05
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1 2.6061244E-5
2.6061244E-5
2.6061244E-5
2.6061244E-5
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1 2.9367585E-05
2.9367585E-05
2.9367585E-05
2.9367585E-05
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1

a2 2.6168979E-7 °C-2 3.8667770E-7 °C-2 4.8874766E-7 °C-2

aa3a3a
33 2.6168979E-07
2.6168979E-07
2.6168979E-07
2.6168979E-07
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2 3.8667770E-7
3.8667770E-7
3.8667770E-7
3.8667770E-7
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2 4.8874766E-07
4.8874766E-07
4.8874766E-07
4.8874766E-07
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2

a3 8.5813609E-9 °C-3 3.8268958E-9 °C-3 4.3669918E-9 °C-3

aa4a4a
44 8.5813609E-09
8.5813609E-09
8.5813609E-09
8.5813609E-09
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3 3.8268958E-9
3.8268958E-9
3.8268958E-9
3.8268958E-9
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3 4.3669918E-09
4.3669918E-09
4.3669918E-09
4.3669918E-09
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3

b0 -1.0758800E+1 -1.0760400E+1 -1.0727100E+1

bb1b1 b
11 -1.0758800E+01
-1.0758800E+01
-1.0758800E+01
-1.0758800E+01 -1.0760400E+1
-1.0760400E+1
-1.0760400E+1
-1.0760400E+1 -1.0727100E+01
-1.0727100E+01
-1.0727100E+01
-1.0727100E+01
b1 6.3268134E-2 °C-1 6.3987441E-2 °C-1 7.6215115E-2 °C-1
bb2b2b
22 6.3268134E-02
6.3268134E-02
6.3268134E-02
6.3268134E-02
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1 6.3987441E-2
6.3987441E-2
6.3987441E-2
6.3987441E-2
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1 7.6215115E-02
7.6215115E-02
7.6215115E-02
7.6215115E-02
°C
°C
°C
-1°C
-1-1-1

b2 -2.5368934E-4 °C-2 -2.6351566E-4 °C-2 -1.7490155E-4 °C-2

bb3b3b
33 -2.5368934E-04
-2.5368934E-04
-2.5368934E-04
-2.5368934E-04
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2 -2.6351566E-4
-2.6351566E-4
-2.6351566E-4
-2.6351566E-4
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2 -1.7490155E-04
-1.7490155E-04
-1.7490155E-04
-1.7490155E-04
°C
°C
°C
-2°C
-2-2-2

b3 6.3405286E-7 °C-3 1.6725084E-6 °C-3 2.4668279E-6 °C-3

bb4b4b
44 6.3405286E-07
6.3405286E-07
6.3405286E-07
6.3405286E-07
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3 1.6725084E-6
1.6725084E-6
1.6725084E-6
1.6725084E-6
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3 2.4668279E-06
2.4668279E-06
2.4668279E-06
2.4668279E-06
°C
°C
°C
-3°C
-3-3-3

Example:
T = 20 °C
For
For
For
pFor
instance:
=instance:
instance:
instance:
10 bar(a) = 1 MPa = 1 000 000 Pa
f = 1.0307
TT= T= T== 20
20
20
°C
20°C
°C
=>
°C=>
=>
=>
TTKTK=T
K=20
=20
K =20
+
20
+273.15
+273.15
+273.15
273.15
==293.15
=293.15
=293.15
293.15
KKKK
p=p=p=T=p= 10
10
10
bar(g)
10
20bar(g)
bar(g)
bar(g)
== 1
= 1=
MPa
1MPa
1
MPa
MPa
==1=1
=000
1
000
1
000
000
000
000
000
000
Pa
Pa
Pa
Pa
f f=f=Tf=== 20 °C
1.0307
1.0307
1.0307°C
1.0307 5
p=
p= 10
10 bar(g) =
bar(g) = 11 MPa
MPa = = 11 000
000 000
000 Pa
Pa
ff =
= 1.0307
1.0307
 Humidity conversions 5 (14)

3. Relative humidity – RH Humidity conversions 5 (14)

3 Relative humidity – RH
Humidity conversions 5 (14)
RelativeRelative
humidityhumidity
(RH) is defined
(RH)atisalldefined
temperatures
at all and pressures as
temperatures thepressures
and ratio of theas
water
thevapor
ratio pressure
of the water vapor
pressure
(Pw) to the (Pwwater
saturation ) to the saturation
vapor pressurewater vapor
over water pressure
(Pws over
) at the gas water (Pws) at the gas temperature:
temperature:

3 Relative
5# humidity – RH
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = 5 ∙ 100 %𝑟𝑟ℎ (3) (4)
#$
3 Relative
Relative humidityhumidity(RH) is–definedRH at all temperatures and pressures as the ratio of the water vapor
pressure
The total (P ) to
pressure the is saturation
not
The total pressure is not part of the definition.
w part ofwater vapor
theAbove 100pressure
definition.°C Above over
the same100 water
°C the(P
definition same
is ) atdefinition
valid.
ws theas
But gas temperature:
the is valid. But as the
vapor
Relative
vapor
saturation pressure
humidity
saturation (RH)
pressure is defined at all temperatures and pressures as the ratio
Pws is greater than 1ws013 hPa (normal ambient pressure), the RH can't reach 100% inthe RH can't
P is greater than 1 013 hPa (normal ambient of
pressure), the water vapor
pressure
reach 5#
100%
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = 5 system.(P )
into
an
∙ 100 %𝑟𝑟ℎ
w the saturation
unpressurized water vapor
system. pressure
Below 0 °C over
the water
definition(P is
ws ) at
alsothe gas
valid. temperature:
Here
(3) 100%rh is also
an unpressurized Below 0 °C the definition is also valid. Here 100%rh is also impossible because
impossible because condensation will occur at a humidity level lower than 100% (when the vapor is
#$
condensation will 5# occur at a humidity level lower than 100% (when the vapor is saturated against ice).
saturated
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅
The =total against
∙pressure
100 %𝑟𝑟ℎ ice).
is not Relative
part ofhumidity over ice
the definition. (RH100
Above i) can be calculated by using(3)
°C the same definition iscoefficients
valid. But asforthe
RelativePhumidity 5#$ over ice (RH ) can be calculated by using coefficients for P :
is:
vapor saturation pressure Pws is greater than 1 013 hPa (normal ambient pressure), the RH can't
i is

The total
reach 5# pressure
100% is not part of the
in an unpressurized definition.
system. BelowAbove 100
0 °C the °C the same
definition is alsodefinition is valid.
valid. Here But as
100%rh the
is also
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅6 = saturation
impossible
vapor ∙ 100 %𝑟𝑟ℎ
because 6
pressure P
condensation
ws is greater
will than
occur 1
at 013
a hPa
humidity (normal
level ambient
lower thanpressure),
100% (4)the(5)
(when RH
the can't
vapor is
5&$
reach 100%
saturated in an ice).
against unpressurized system. Below
Relative humidity over ice 0 (RH
°C the
i ) definition
can be is
calculated also valid.
by Here
using 100%rh
coefficients is also
for
impossible
4 :
PisDew pointbecause
andcondensation
frost pointwill – Toccur
d/f at a humidity level lower than 100% (when the vapor is
saturated against ice). Relative humidity over ice (RHi) can be calculated by using coefficients for
4. Dew Pis:6 =
The
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 dew
5#
point ∙ 100and
point 6 frost(T
temperature
%𝑟𝑟ℎ point
d) is the– T
temperature to which air must be cooled to(4) become
5&$
saturated with water vapor. The frost pointd/f(Tf) is the temperature at which the air is saturated by
5#
The dew
water
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅6 = vapor
4point ∙ 100
Dewtemperature over
5&$point and
%𝑟𝑟ℎ
(Td) isfrost point – Ttod/fwhich air must be cooled to become saturated(4)
an6 ice surface. The term Td/f means that when the dew point temperature
the temperature with
is equal
to or above 0 °C the dew point calculation (Td) is used, with the (Tf) calculation used below 0 °C.
water vapor. The frost point (Tf) is the temperature at which the air is saturated by water vapor over an ice
4
The Dew dewpoint and
point temperature frost (T point – Ttemperature
d) is the d/f to which air must be cooled to become
surface. The term
saturated DewTwith point
d/f
meansto
water vapor
that when the
vapor. The pressure
dew point–temperature
frost point Td(Tto Pw is equal to or above 0 °C the dew point
f) is the temperature at which the air is saturated by
calculation
The(Tdew
water ) is used,
d vaporpoint with
over antheice
temperature (Tf)surface.
calculation
(Td) The used
is the below
Td/f0means
temperature
term °C. tothat
which whenair the
must dew be point
cooledtemperature
to become is equal
Calculating the vapor pressure from Td is a straightforward operation. Use equation (1) to calculate
saturated
to or abovewith 0 °Cwater
the dew vapor. Thecalculation
point frost point(T(T d)f)is
isused,
the temperature
with the (Tf) at which theused
calculation air isbelow
saturated
0 °C.by
the vapor saturation pressure in the Td condition:
4.1 Dew waterpoint vaporto over an ice
vapor surface. The
pressure – Tdterm
to PwTd/f means that when the dew point temperature is equal
Dew point
to or above 0 °C the todew vapor pressure
point calculation – T(T
d dto
) isPused,
w with the (Tf) calculation used below 0 °C.
𝑃𝑃: (𝑇𝑇4 ) = 𝑃𝑃:; R(𝑇𝑇< + 273.15)S (5)
Calculating the vapor pressure from Td is a straightforward operation. Use equation (1) to calculate the
Calculating
Dew point the vaporto vapor pressure from Td is
pressure – aTstraightforward
d to Pw operation. Use equation (1) to calculate
vapor
the vapor Vapor
saturation pressure
pressure
saturation in to
thedew
pressure point
Td condition:
in the – Pw to Td
Td condition:
Calculating the vapor pressure from Td is a straightforward operation. Use equation (1) to calculate
the
Calculating
𝑃𝑃: (𝑇𝑇vapor dew pointpressure
saturation from vapor in thepressure, temperature, and pressure involves complex
Td condition: (5) equations,
4 ) = 𝑃𝑃 :; R(𝑇𝑇< + 273.15)S (6)
because both the enhancement factor and the vapor pressure will be dependent on the dew point
itself. )Dew
𝑃𝑃: (𝑇𝑇4Vapor point can be calculated using an iterative procedure: (5)
4.2 Vapor = 𝑃𝑃:;
pressure pressure
R(𝑇𝑇 dewtopoint
+ 273.15)S
< to dew –point P to–TPw to Td
w d
Initial values for the trial-and-error process should be wide enough to accommodate the result
Calculating
Vapor dew point from
pressure vaporpoint
to dew pressure,
Pwtemperature,
–majority and pressure involves complex equations,
to Tofd applications
within its dew
Calculating boundaries.
point fromProper values for
vapor pressure, are ascomplex
follows.equations,
because both the enhancement factor temperature,
and the vaporand pressurewill
pressure involves
be dependent on the dew point
Calculating
itself.
because Dew dewenhancement
bothpoint
the point
can befrom vapor
calculated pressure,
using
factor and the an temperature,
iterative
vapor willand
procedure:
pressure pressure on
be dependent involves
the dewcomplex
point equations,
𝑇𝑇< >6? = −100 ℃, 𝑇𝑇< >@A = 𝑇𝑇 + 5 ℃, but at a maximum of 100 °C
because
< >6?
itself. Dewboth
pointthe
can enhancement
be< calculated
>@A factor
using and the procedure:
an iterative vapor pressure will be dependent on the dew point
Initial
itself.
In values
thisDew for can
point
document the trial-and-error
Td minbeiscalculated process
limited tousing
-100 an should
becausebe
°C,iterative wide enough
procedure:
this is the limittoofaccommodate the result
specified accuracy for the
within
Initial
its boundaries.
Pws calculation (1).
values for the
Proper
Here, a small
trial-and-error
values
margin
process
for majority
(+5 be
should
of
°C)wide applications
is introduced are as follows.
in case therethe
enough to accommodate areresult
inaccuracies
within in the
Initial values for the trial-and-error process should be wide enough to accommodate the result
initial parameters.
its The vapor pressure to dew point areiterative process is shown in the flow diagram
𝑇𝑇<boundaries.
within
>6? =
Proper
its−100 ℃, 𝑇𝑇<values
boundaries. for𝑇𝑇majority
Proper
= 5 ℃, of
+values forapplications
but at a maximum
majority of as follows.
of 100 °Care as follows.
applications
below: >@A

In this=
𝑇𝑇< >6? document
−100 ℃, T >@Ais=
𝑇𝑇<d min limited
𝑇𝑇 + 5 ℃to,-100
but °C,
at
but at because of
aamaximum
maximum this
ofis
100 the°C
100
°C limit of specified accuracy for the
Pws calculation (1). Here, a small margin (+5 °C) is introduced in case there are inaccuracies in the
In thisparameters.
initial document TThe d min is limited
vapor to -100
pressure to °C,
dewbecause this is the
point iterative limit of
process specified
is shown in accuracy for the
the flow diagram
Pws calculation (1). Here, a small margin (+5 °C) is introduced in case there are inaccuracies in the
below:
initial parameters. The vapor pressure to dew point iterative process is shown in the flow diagram
below:

6
In this document Td min is limited to -100 °C, because this is the limit of specified accuracy for the Pws
calculation (1). Here, a small margin (+5 °C) is introduced in case there are inaccuracies in the initial
parameters. The vapor pressure to dew point iterative process is shown in the flow diagram below:

Inputs Initial values Output

Pw T p -100 °C T + 5 °C Td

Iteration
Calculate, Td min Td max
Pws (2), RH (4)

Td min ≈ Td max
yes

no

Calculate,
Td average

Calculate,
PW average (6), RHaverage (4)

RHaverage > RH
False: True:
Td min = Td average Td max = Td average

Example:

Calculate Td in the following conditions:

Pw = 233.92 Pa
T = 20 °C => Tk = 293.15 K
p = 101325 Pa

Pws (1) = 2339.25 Pa

RH (3) = 10.0 %rh

7
 Iteration

Average
Step Td min °C Td max °C
Td °C Pw Pa RH %rh

1 -100 [initial] 25 [T+5 initial] -37.5 24.68 1.051

2 -37.5 25 -6.25 385.0 16.39

3 -37.5 -6.25 -21.9 107.2 4.563

4 -21.9 -6.25 -14.1 207.5 8.837

5 -14.1 -6.25 -10.2 284.1 12.10

6 -14.1 -10.2 -12.1 243.1 10.35

7 -14.1 -12.1 -13.1 224.7 9.568

8 -13.1 -12.1 -12.6 233.7 9.954

.. .. .. .. .. ..

19 -12.5404 -12.5400 -12.5402 234.9 10.00

20 -12.5404 -12.5402 -12.5403 234.9 10.00

Answer: Td = -12.540 °C

Humidity conversions 7 (14)

4.3 FrostFrost
pointpoint
to vapor pressure
to vapor – Tf to–PT
pressure w f to Pw

Use“over
Use “overice”
ice” coefficients
coefficients (1)converting
(1) for for converting frostinto
frost point point into
water water
vapor vapor pressure:
pressure:

𝑃𝑃: (𝑇𝑇4 ) (6)

= 𝑃𝑃6; ;R𝑇𝑇B + 273.15S> (7)

Vapor pressure to frost point – Pw to Tf

Frost point (Tf) is equal to dew point (Td), if Td ≥ 0 °C. In other cases, Tf can be calculated using a
similar method to Td, but using coefficients over ice, Pis (1):

8
4.4 Vapor pressure to frost point – Pw to Tf

Frost point (Tf ) is equal to dew point (Td), if Td ≥ 0 °C. In other cases, Tf can be calculated using a
similar method to Td, but using coefficients over ice, Pis (1):

Inputs Initial values Output

Pw T p -100 °C 0 °C Tf

Iteration
Calculate, Tf min Tf max
Pis (2), RHi (5)

Tf min ≈ Tf max
yes

no

Calculate,
Tf average

Calculate,
PW average (7), RHi average (4)

RHi average > RHi

False: True:
Tf min = Tf average Tf max = Tf average

Example:

In the example calculation in chapter 4.2 , the Td result was below zero (Td = -12.540 °C). Calculate Tf using
the same initial values:

Pw = 233.92 Pa
T = 20 °C => Tk = 293.15 K
p = 101325 Pa
Pis (1) = 2339.25 Pa
RH (3) = 10.0 %rh

Answer: Tf = -11.18 °C

9
5. Absolute humidity – A Humidity conversions 8 (14)
5 Absolute humidity - A
Absolute humidity is defined as the mass of water vapor in a certain volume. If ideal gas behavior is
Absolute humidity is defined as the mass of water vapor
Humidity in a certain volume. If ideal gas
conversions behavior is
8 (14)
assumed, then absolute humidityhumidity
can be calculated Humidity conversions 8 (14)
assumed the absolute can beusing:
calculated using:
Humidity conversions 8 (14)

5 Absolute
𝐴𝐴 = '()humidity
9
, where - A
∙.# where (8)
(8)
;∙<*

Absolute humidity is defined as the mass

A5 Absolute
of water vapor in a certain volume. If ideal gas behavior is
5
= Absolute
Absolute
assumed
humidity
A = Absolute
humidity
the
in g/m–
humidity3
Ain
humidity
absolute –
humidityA g/m3
can be calculated using:
M 5H20Absolute
= MMolecular humidity
H20 = Molecular
mass of water – inAg/mol
mass of water in g/mol
RAbsolute ∙.humidity isgas
defined asJ∙K
the mass of
J·Kwater
R= -1·molvapor in a certain volume. If ideal gas behavior is
#Universal constant -18.3145 -1
Absolute
== Universal
9'()
𝐴𝐴assumed,
Absolute humidity
, is
gas constant
where
humidity is defined
8.3145
defined as
as the
the mass
∙mol
mass
-1
of
of water
water vapor
vapor in
in a
a certain
certain volume.
volume. If
If ideal
(8) gas
ideal gas behavior
behavior is
is
then
Pw*=pressure
Vapor absolute
pressure humidity can be calculated
in Pa can be calculated using: using:
Passumed,
= ;∙<
Vapor then absolute
in Pa humidity
assumed,
w then
TK =Temperatureabsolute humidity
in K can be calculated using:
TAK == Temperature
C'($ ∙5# in K
𝐴𝐴 =Absolute humidity
C'($ ∙5# , where in g/m3 (7)
𝐴𝐴 = ) # , wheremass of water in g/mol (7)
CE∙F∙5
M = ='($
𝐴𝐴 H20 Molecular
Example:
E∙F
E∙F)
, where (7)
R = Universal gas constant 8.3145
)
J·K -1 ·mol -1
A = Absolute humidity in g/m33
Aw=
PA =Absolute
Example:
M = Vapor
=Calculate
gasAbsolute
Molecular
humidity
pressure
humidity
mass of
in
in Pa
absolute g/m
in humidity
g/min
gas 3
g/mol of air in following condition:
TM = Molecular
=Temperature
gas
= Molecular mass
in K of gas in g/mol
Mgas
R K
= Universal gasmass
constantof gas in g/mol
8.3145 J·K-1-1·mol
-1
R
R =
= Universal
RH
Universal = 80.0gas
gas constant
%rh
constant 8.3145
8.3145 J·K
J·K -1·mol
·mol
-1
-1
P w = Vapor
Calculate
Example: pressure
the absolute in Pa
humidity of air in the following conditions:
P
P w = Vapor
= T
Vapor= 20 pressure
°C =>
pressure T in
k=
in Pa
293.15
Pa K
TwK =Temperature in K
TKK =Temperature
T
Calculate
RH
P = 101325 Pa
=Temperature
= 80.0%rh absolute in
in K K
humidity of air in following condition:
Example:
Example:
= 20Molar
TExample: °C => Tmass of Kwater = 28.965 g/mol 1
= 293.15
RH = 80.0 %rh
k

PCalculate
= 101325the Pa absolute humidity of air in the following conditions:
TCalculate
= 20P°C =>
the Tk2339.25
= 293.15Pa K
Calculate the=absolute
ws (1) absolute humidity
humidity of of air
air in
in the
the following
following conditions:
conditions:
P = 101325 Pa
Pw (5) = 1871.51 Pa
RH = 80.0%rh
RH
Molar
RH =
= 80.0%rh
mass of water = 18.0154 g/mol1
80.0%rh
T
Molar= 20 °C =>ofTwater
mass k = 293.15 K g/mol 1
+ = 28.965
T
T =
= 20
20 °C
°C =>=> T
Tkk =
= 293.15
293.15 K
K
P 101325 Pa
1=.%1?/ ∙1=@1.?1AB
= 13.8 g/m3
P
PPws= = 101325
𝐴𝐴
(1)101325=
= 2339.25 Pa ,-.
PaPaDE/0 FGH/0 ∙IJC.1? E
=.C1/?
Pws (1) = 2339.25 Pa
PMolar
(5) = mass
1871.51of Paair = 28.965 g/mol11
w
w (5) =
PMolar 1871.51
mass of
of airPa== 28.965
28.965 g/mol
Molar 6 Mixing ratio - x
mass air g/mol1
Pws (1)1=.%1?/
= 2339.25 Pa
P
P ws (1) = 2339.25
(1) =
+
2339.25 Pa
∙1=@1.?1AB
Pa
𝐴𝐴Pw=(5)
ws = 1871.51
The mixing
,-.
Pa ratio E(mass
= 13.8ofg/m
water
3 vapor/mass of dry gas) is calculated using:
w (5) =
=.C1/?1871.51
DE/0 FGHPa
/0 ∙IJC.1?
Pw (5) = 1871.51 Pa
*
GH.JKL *.#
∙9HM9.L9NO
6𝐴𝐴 Mixing= 𝐵𝐵ratio
= 𝑥𝑥GH.JKL
GH.JKL
𝐴𝐴 = H.P97L
+,-
+,-
.K.
QR./ STU
- x, where= 13.8 g/m3
* ∙9HM9.L9NO
#./ ∙GJP.9L R = 13.8 g/m3
∙9HM9.L9NO
(9)
𝐴𝐴 = H.P97L QR./ STU./ ∙GJP.9L R = 13.8 g/m3
+,-
H.P97L QR./ STU./ ∙GJP.9L R
The mixing ratio ratio
x = Mixing (massgH2O of water vapor/mass of dry gas) is calculated using:
/kgdry gas
6.
6 Mixingratio
6 Mixing
Mixing
6 Mixing
ratio
ratio –
–x
ratio – xx– x
.
𝑥𝑥The = 𝐵𝐵mixing
𝐵𝐵
# 9' 1
=# 9ratio,( where (mass
∙ 1000 in of
g/kg,water vapor/mass
where of dry gas) is calculated using : (9)
The The mixing
mixing
.K.
ratioratio
23$(mass (mass
of of
water water vapor/mass
The mixing ratio (mass of water vapor/mass of dry gas) is calculated using::
vapor/mass of dry of
gas) isdry gas)
calculated is calculated
using: using
5#
x𝑥𝑥 ==Mixing # ,ratio
𝐵𝐵 M55H2O where gH2O/kgdry gas (8)
𝑥𝑥 = 𝐵𝐵 5V5 = Molecular
## , where weight of water = 18.0154 g/mol 1 (8)
𝑥𝑥 = 𝐵𝐵 5V5 , where
(9) (8)
9'M = Molecular weight of gas in g/mol (air = 28.965 g/mol -> B = 621.97 g/kg)
5V5 # 1
gas
# air
(1
𝐵𝐵 x= = Mixing
P =∙ 1000
ratio
Vapor ing g/kg,
H2O /kg
pressure where
dry in
gas Pa
x=
x = Mixing ratio g /kgdry gas
923$ w
Mixing
p = Total ratiopressure
gH2O
H2O/kgdry ingasPa
C 01 2
M = C=001Molecular
𝐵𝐵 H2O C 2 ∙ 1000 inweight of water = 18.0154 g/mol 1
g/kg, where
𝐵𝐵 = 1 2 ∙ 1000 in g/kg, where
C'($
Mgas =C'($
𝐵𝐵 = C B can∙ be
1000 calculated
in
Molecular weight of g/kg, for
where
wheregasother gasses
in g/mol (airby = using
28.965theirg/molmolecular
1 -> B
air =weight.
621.97Example
g/kg) calculation for
PMw = Vapor hydrogen
'($
pressure(H2)in [4]:
Pa
H2O = Molecular weight of water = 18.0154 g/mol1
1
p M = =
Total
MH2OH2O
H2O Molecular
pressure weight
in Pa of water = 18.0154 g/mol
gas=== Molecular weight ofgas water = 18.0154 (air =g/mol 1
M Molecular
Molecular
9'( 1 weightweight of
of water = in g/mol
18.0154 g/mol 1
28.965 g/mol 11 -> Bair = 621.97 g/kg)
M gas =𝐵𝐵 Molecular
= pressure weight
∙ 1000 of gas
1=.%1?/ in g/mol
L/4NO (air = 28.965
8 938.0 g/mol
g/kg 1 -> B = 621.97 g/kg)
M Mgas
P == =
wgas Molecular
Vapor
Molecular weight
weight in=
of PaofI.%1?,
gas gas
in in
g/mol (air ∙= 1000
g/mol (air =
28.965 =g/mol
28.9651 g/mol
-> Bair -> g/kg)
= 621.97 Bair
air = 621.97 g/kg)
B P =
can Vapor
Pw===Total
w be
Vapor
9pressure
calculated
'(
pressure in
for
in Pa
other gasses
L/4NO by using their molecular weight. Example calculation for
p
Phydrogen Vapor pressure
pressure ininPaPaPa
pw = Total pressure
(H 2) [4]: in Pa
p = Total pressure in Pa
1   B can be calculated for other gases by using their molecular weight. An example calculation for
See chapter
can 10 Molecular weightL/4NOgases by using their molecular weight. An example calculation for
can9be
9'( 1 calculated for
B for other
1=.%1?/
𝐵𝐵 B=
hydrogen be calculated
∙ (H
10002) is=[4]: other gases
∙ 1000 by=using8 938.0theirg/kg
molecular weight. An example calculation for
hydrogen
hydrogen (H
'(
(H22)) is
is [4]:
[4]:
I.%1?, L/4NO

C0 2 9H.W9L7 X/>Z[
𝐵𝐵 = C 1 1 2 ∙ 1000 = 9H.W9L7 X/>Z[ ∙ 1000 = 8 938.0 g/kg
1
1See chapter 0 X/>Z[
0
𝐵𝐵 = 2 ∙ 1000 X/>Z[ ∙ 1000 = 8 938.0 g/kg
∙ 1000 =
C
C001 9H.W9L7
𝐵𝐵 = C
C01
= G.W9LK
G.W9LK X/>Z[ ∙ 1000 = 8 938.0 g/kg
G.W9LK X/>Z[
10
01

Molecular weight
 C 01 2
𝐵𝐵 = C'($
∙ 1000 in g/kg, where

MH2O = Molecular weight of water = 18.0154 g/mol1

Mgas = Molecular weight of gas in g/mol (air = 28.965 g/mol 1 -> Bair = 621.97 g/kg)
pPw==Total
Vapor pressure
pressure in Pain Pa
p = Total pressure in Pa
B can be calculated for other gases by using their molecular weight. An example calculation for hydrogen
B can be calculated for other gases by using their molecular weight. An example calculation for
(H2) is [4]:
hydrogen (H2) is [4]:
C 01 2 9H.W9L7 X/>Z[
𝐵𝐵 = ∙ 1000 = ∙ 1000 = 8 938.0 g/kg
C01 G.W9LK X/>Z[

Example:
1 Humidity
Humidity
Humidity
conversions
conversions
conversions
Humidity conversions 99(14)
(14)
9 (14) 9(
See chapter 0
Calculate mixing ratio in the following conditions:
Molecular weight
RH = 50.0%rh
TExample:
=Example:
80 °C => Tk =Example:
Example: 353.15 K
p = 101325 Pa
Calculate
Calculate
Calculate
mixing
mixing
mixing
Calculate
ratio
ratio
ratio
in
inmixing
the
in
thethe
following
following
following
ratio inconditions:
conditions:
the
conditions:
following conditions:
Pws (1) = 47415.54 Pa
RH ==50.0%rh
RHRH 50.0%rh
= 50.0%rh
RH = 50.0%rh
P (5)
TTw =
=T80== 80
80 23703.69
°C
°C=>
°C
=>=>TTTPa
= 353.15
T
= 80 °C =>
353.15
= 353.15 T
KK K = 353.15 K
kk k k
pp==p101325
101325
= 101325
Pa
PaPa
p = 101325 Pa
x = 621.97 * 23703.69 / (101325 – 23703.69) = 189.93 g/kg
PPws
wsP(1)
(1)
ws (1)
==47415.54
47415.54
= 47415.54
Pws Pa
(1)
PaPa= 47415.54 Pa
PPww(5)
P(5)
w (5)
== 23703.69
23703.69
= 23703.69
Pw (5)
Pa
Pa =
Pa23703.69 Pa

xx==x621.97
621.97
= 621.97
**23703.69
23703.69
*x23703.69
= 621.97
//(101325
(101325
/* (101325
23703.69
--23703.69)
23703.69)
- 23703.69)
/ (101325
==189.93
189.93
-=23703.69)
189.93
g/kg
g/kg
g/kg
= 189.93 g/kg
7. Enthalpy – h
77 Enthalpy
Enthalpy
7 Enthalpy
––
7 hh
Enthalpy
–h –h
Specific enthalpy of water vapor in a constant pressure can be calculated from mixing ratio using a following
The
TheThe
specific
specific
specific
enthalpy
enthalpy
The
enthalpy
specific
of
ofwater
of
water
water
enthalpy
vapor
vapor
vapor
of
at
atwater
aaatconstant
constant
a constant
vaporpressure
pressure
atpressure
a constant
can
cancan
be
be
pressure
calculated
be
calculated
calculated
canfrom
formula. Note that the coefficients given in the following equation are depended on temperature and
from
befrom
calculated
the
thethe
mixing
mixing
mixing
from
ratio
ratio
ratio
the mixing rat
using
using
using
the
thethe
following
following
following
usingformula.
formula.
the
formula.
following
Note
NoteNote
that
formula.
that
that
the
thethecoefficients
coefficients
Note
coefficients
that the
given
given
coefficients
given
in
inthe
in
thethe
following
following
given
following
inequation
equation
the
equation
following
are
areareequation are
pressure. These constants will give accurate results in ambient pressure. hwe Accuracy can be improved by
dependent
dependent
dependent on
onon
temperature
temperature
dependent
temperatureon
and
and
temperature
and
pressure.
pressure.
pressure. These
These
andThese
pressure.
constants
constants
constants
These
will
willwill
give
constants
give
give
accurate
accurate
accurate
willresults
results
give
results
accurate
at
atambient
ambient
at ambient
results at ambient
using a temperature
pressure.
pressure.
pressure.
CCpw specific
Caccuracy
pressure.
accuracy
accuracy
canCvalue
can can
be
be from
accuracy
improved
be a steam
improved
improved
can by
bybetable:
using
by
using
improved
using
aatemperature-specific
temperature-specific
a temperature-specific
by using a temperature-specific
value
value
valuefrom
from
fromaasteam
steam
avalue
steam
table:
table:
from
table:
a steam table
pw pw pw

AA A A
ℎℎ =
=ℎ𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
= \]𝐶𝐶∙\]
\] ∙𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇+
∙+𝑇𝑇9WWW
+ℎ 9WWW
9WWW
=(𝐶𝐶
(𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶^:
(𝐶𝐶^:
^:
\] +
∙+𝑇𝑇ℎℎ+
+
:_ℎ9WWW
:_ ∙:_
∙𝑇𝑇),
𝑇𝑇), where
where
∙(𝐶𝐶^:where
𝑇𝑇), + ℎ:_ ∙ 𝑇𝑇), where
where (10) (9)
(9)(9) (9)

hhh=
==hEnthalpy
Enthalpy
= Enthalpy
Enthalpy inin
in
hkJ/kg
in
kJ/kg
= Enthalpy
kJ/kgkJ/kg in kJ/kg
Cpg = Specific heat capacity of gas at constant pressure: air = 1.006 kJ/kg°C
CCpgpgC==pgSpecific
Specific
= Specific
heat
heat
Cpgheat
=of
ofSpecific
gas
of
gasgas
at
atconstant
constant
at
heat
constant
of gas
pressure:
pressure:
pressure:
at constant
air
airair
==pressure:
1.006
1.006
= 1.006
kJ/kg°C
kJ/kg°C
kJ/kg°C
air = 1.006 kJ/kg°C
Cpw = Specific heat capacity of water vapor at constant pressure at 0 °C temperature: 1.84 kJ/kg°C
hC
CwepwC=
pw == Specific
Specific
= Specific
Evaporation
pw heat
heat
Cpwheat
=of
heatofSpecific
water
of
water
of water
vapor
watervapor
heat
0 vapor
°C: of
at
atwater
constant
2501constant
atkJ/kg
constant
vapor
pressure
pressure
pressure
at constant
at
at00
at°C:
°C:
0
pressure
°C:
2501
2501
2501
kJ/kg°C
kJ/kg°C
atkJ/kg°C
0 °C: 2501 kJ/kg°C
x = Mixing ratio g H2O /kgdry gas T
weh=
hhwe =
weEvaporation
Evaporation
= Evaporation
hwe =
heat
heat
Evaporation
heat
of
ofwater
of
water
water
at
at
heat
00
at°C:
°C:
0of°C:
1.84
1.84
water
1.84
kJ/kg°C
kJ/kg°C
atkJ/kg°C
0 °C: 1.84 kJ/kg°C

xx==xMixing
Mixing
= Mixing
ratio
ratio
ratio
x=ggH2O
Mixing
gH2O
H2O /kg
/kg/kg
dryratio
dry dry gasgH2O/kgdry gas
gas
gas

TT==TTemperature
Temperature
= Temperature
T =in
in
Temperature
°C
in
°C °C in °C

Example:
Example:
Example: Example:

Calculate
Calculate
Calculate
enthalpy
enthalpy
enthalpy
Calculate
in
inthe
in
theenthalpy
the
following
following
following
inconditions:
conditions:
the
conditions:
following conditions:

xx==x190
190
= 190
g/kg
g/kg
g/kgx = 190 g/kg
TT==T80
80
= 80
°C
°C °C T = 80 °C 11
'' ' '
`Q
`Q `Q 9JW
9JW9JW
`Q3' 9JW
3' 3' 3'
T = Temperature in °C

Example:

Calculate enthalpy in the following conditions:

x = 190 g/kg
T = 80 °C

Humidity conversions 10 (14)

Humidity conversions 10 (14)

8. H2 O content – ppm (parts per million)

Humidity conversions 10 (14)

8 H2are
There O content – ppm
four different ways to(parts
express per million)
H 2 O content and it is important to use the correct one. H 2 O
8 H2Omay
content content – ppm
refer to either (parts
mass fractionper million)
or volume fraction. In addition to this, ppm can be expressed as
aThere are four
proportion of drydifferent
gas or as aways to express
proportion of totalH2O These
gas. content
fourand it is important
different todescribed
variations are use the correct
in the one.
There
8H HO2O
2 are four
content
content different
may –refer
ppm toways to express
(parts
either H2O content
per fraction
mass million) andfraction.
or volume it is important to usetothe
In addition correct
this, one.
ppm can
following chapters.
H2O
be content may
expressed refer to either
as a proportion mass
of dry gasfraction
or as a or volume fraction.
proportion In addition
of total gas. to this,
These four ppm can
different
be
There expressed areas
are four
variations a proportion
different
described in theof
ways dry gas or
tofollowing
express 2as
Oa proportion
Hchapters.
content and itofistotal gas. These
important four
to use thedifferent
correct one.
Hvariations
2O content aremaydescribed
refer toineither
the following chapters.
mass fraction or volume fraction. In addition to this, ppm can
8.1 ppm
be expressed
ppm –
V dry
V dry
Volume
as–aVolume
proportion /volume
of drydry
H2O  H2O/volume gasdryor as a proportion of total gas. These four different
ppmare
variations – Volume
V drydescribed inH2O /volume
the following
dry chapters.
5
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝a <bc = 5# ∙ 10K , where where (10) (11)
^V5
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝appm
<bc = V dry
##
^V5#
– ∙Volume
10 K
, where H2O /volume dry (10)
PW = Vapor pressure
5# in Pa
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
P = Vapor= ^V5 ∙ 10Kin
pressure , where (10)
W a <bc
PW = Vapor pressure # in Pa Pa
p = Total pressure in Pa
p = Total pressure in Pa
PpW==Total
Vapor pressure
pressure in in
PaPa
ppmm dry – MassH2O/massdry
8.2
p = ppm ppm
Total – Mass
pressure
m m dry
dry – Mass /massdry dry
H2OH2O/mass
in Pa
C01 2 ∙5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝> <bc = C ∙5 ∙ 10K , where (11)
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝>ppm –1 2Mass K/massdry
C'($0∙(^V5 ## )
<bc =m dry ∙ 10
H2O , where
where (11) (12)
C ∙(^V5 )
'($ #
MH2O = Molecular weight
C01 2 ∙5# of water in g/mol (18.0146)2
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 =
MH2O = Molecular
> <bc ∙
weight
C'($ ∙(^V5
10 K
, wherein g/mol (18.0146)2
of water (11)
#)
MH2Ogas == Molecular
M Molecularweight
weight of dryingas
of water in g/mol
g/mol (air = 28.965) 2
(18.0146)
M
MgasH2O
M
= Molecular weight of dry gas in g/mol
gas = Molecular weight of water in g/mol (18.0146) (air = 28.965)
= Molecular weight of dry gas in g/mol (air = 28.965) 2
2 2

ppmV wet – VolumeH2O/volumewet

Mgas =ppm V wet –weight
Molecular Volume dry/volume
of H2O gas in g/mol
wet (air = 28.965) 2
5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝a :_f = 5^ ∙ 10 K
(12)
8.3
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝ppm
appm
:_fV=
#–∙Volume
V wet
wet –10Volume
K /volumewet wet
H2OH2O/volume (12)
^
ppmm5wet – MassH2O/masswet
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝a ppm #
:_f =m^wet
∙ 10 K
(13)
– Mass H2O/masswet (12)
C0 2 ∙5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝> <bc = CC 1 ∙5 ∙ 10K (13)
8.4 ppm
ppm
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝> <bcm=
m – 1Mass
2 ∙^#
–
0'($
wet
wet C
Mass
∙ 10 K /mass
H2OH2O
/mass
wet wet (13)
∙^ '($
C01 2 ∙5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝> <bc = ∙ 10K
C'($ ∙^ weight
(13)
2  
See chapter 10 Molecular

12
 ppmV wet – VolumeH2O/volumewet
5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝a :_f = ^
∙ 10K (12)

ppmm wet – MassH2O/masswet

C01 2 ∙5#
𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝> <bc = C'($ ∙^
∙ 10K (13) (14)

9. Wet bulb temperature – TW

The cooling effect of a wet surface can be used to measure humidity with a device called a psychrometer.
Nowadays these devices have mainly been replaced by modern capacitive thin film hygrometers. However,
this parameter is utilized in other application areas that use evaporative cooling. Specifying the accuracy
for this parameter is challenging as there are many uncertainties in vaporization, such as ventilation,
materials, etc., but together these can be taken into account to determine a psychrometer coefficient.
This document will use a coefficient that has been well established in Vaisala humidity instruments.

9.1 Wet bulb to vapor pressure – Tw to Pw

The dry bulb temperature Tdry and the wet bulb temperature Twet can be converted into Pw

using the following formula:

Pw = Pws (Tw, p) – p∙KA ∙(T–Tw )∙(1+K B ∙Tw ), where

(15)
P2w = Vapor pressure in Pa
See chapter 11
Tw = Wet bulb in °C
pMolecular
= Total pressure
weight in Pa
KA = Psychrometer coefficient A for water: 0.000662 °C-1
KB = Psychrometer coefficient B for water: 0.00115 °C-1

9.2 Vapor pressure to wet bulb – Pw to Tw

Calculating wet bulb from vapor pressure, temperature, and pressure involves complex equations, because
both the enhancement factor and the vapor pressure will be dependent on the wet bulb result. Wet bulb
can be calculated using an iterative procedure:

Initial values for the trial-and-error process should be wide enough to accommodate the result within its
boundaries. Proper values for the majority of applications are as follows.

Td min = -100 °C,Td max = T + 5 °C, but at the maximum of 100 °C

In this document Td min is limited to -100 °C because this is the limit of specified accuracy for the Pws
calculation (1). In practice, a wet bulb reading that is below 0 °C shouldn’t be used and a frost bulb
calculation should be used instead. Here a small margin (+5 °C) is introduced in case there are inaccuracies
in the initial parameters. The iterative process of vapor pressure to wet bulb is shown in the following flow

13
 Inputs Initial values Output
Pw T p -100 °C T + 5 °C Tw

Iteration
Calculate, Tw min Tw max
Pws (2), RH (4)

Tw min ≈ Tw max
yes

no

Calculate,
Tw average

Calculate,
PW average (15), RHaverage (4)

RHaverage > RH
False: True:
Tw min = Tw average Tw max = Tw average

diagram:

Example:

Calculate wet bulb in the following conditions:

RH = 10.0 %rh
T = 20 °C => Tk = 293.15 K
P = 101325 Pa

14
Pws (1) = 2339.25 Pa

Answer: Tw = 7.8 °C
10. Molecular weight
The molecular weight of a substance (molar mass) M is needed in mass-based humidity calculations such
as absolute humidity and mixing ratio. The molecular mass of a substance is the sum of the molar fractions
of gas components multiplied by their molar mass [4]. Let’s take dry air as an example – there are seasonal

Component Molar ratio Molar mass [4] Molar mass in air

(mol/molair ) (g/mol) (g/mol air )

N2 0.7808 28.013 21.872

O2 0.2095 31.999 6.7037

Ar 0.0093 39.948 0.3715

CO 2 0.0004 44.01 0.0176

Total 1 28.965

variations in the air composition as well as a continuous change especially in the CO 2 content. Here is a
four-component simplification of dry air:

The molar mass of air is 28.965 g/mol.

Other gas mixtures can be calculated using a similar method.

Component Molar mass [4]

(g/mol)

H2 2.0156

O 15.999

Total 18.0146

The chemical formula of water is H 2 O, which means that each molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen

15
 Component
Component Molar
Molar mass
mass [4]
Component Molar
(g/mol)
(g/mol) mass [4]
(g/mol) [4]
(g/mol)
(g/mol)
HHH2 2.0156
2.0156
2.0156
H 22 2.0156
H22 2.0156
OOO 15.999
15.999
15.999
O
O atoms. 15.999
15.999
Total
Total
Total 18.0146
18.0146
18.0146
Total
Total 18.0146
18.0146
The molar mass of water is 18.0146 g/mol.
The
The
The molar
molar
molar mass
mass
mass ofofof water
water
water is18.0146
18.0146
isis18.0146 g/mol.
g/mol.
g/mol.
The
The molar
molar mass
mass of
of water
water is
is 18.0146
18.0146 g/mol.
g/mol.
1111
11 11. Conversions
Conversions
Conversions
Conversions to
to
to
to imperial
imperial
imperial
imperial units units
units
units
11 Conversions to imperial units
11 Conversions to imperial units
J
Fahrenheit temperature:
temperature: 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 == 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇°i°i JJ+
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit
temperature:
temperature:
temperature: 𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇
°h °h°h
== 𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇
°i ∙∙ LJ∙J∙L+
+
+32
L 32
32
32
Fahrenheit temperature: 𝑇𝑇°h °h = 𝑇𝑇°i
°i LL ∙ + 32
psi
psi
psi (pounds
(pounds
psi (pounds
(pounds per per
per
per square
square
square
square inch): inch):
inch):
inch): 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 ^;6
𝑝𝑝^;6^;6 = == 6894.76
6894.76
6894.76 ∙ ∙5@
∙∙ 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝5@
5@
psi
psi (pounds
(pounds per per square
square inch):
inch): 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝^;6 == 6894.76
6894.76 ∙ 𝑝𝑝5@
^;6 5@
Absolute
Absolute
Absolute humidity
humidity
humidity ininin grains
grains
grains per per
per cubic
cubic
cubic feet:
feet:
feet: 𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴Xb/BfP
Xb/BfP == 2.2883
2.2883 ∙ ∙𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴X/jX
X/jX
Absolute humidity
Absolute in grainsper per cubic feet: Xb/BfP = 2.2883 ∙∙ 𝐴𝐴
Absolute humidity
humidity in in grains
grains per cubic cubic feet: feet: 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴Xb/BfP
Xb/BfP
== 2.2883
2.2883 ∙ 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴X/jX
X/jX
X/jX
Mixing
Mixing
Mixing ratio
ratio
ratio in in
in grains
grains
grains per
per
per pound:
pound:
pound: 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥Xb/[k
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥Xb/[k Xb/[k
= == 0.14286
0.14286
0.14286 ∙𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥X/jX
∙∙ 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥∙ X/jX X/jX
Mixing ratio
Mixing in
ratio grains
in grains per
per pound:
pound:
Mixing ratio in grains per pound: 𝑥𝑥Xb/[k = 0.14286 ∙ 𝑥𝑥X/jX
Xb/[k = 0.14286
X/jX
Enthalpy
Enthalpy
Enthalpy in in
inBTUBTU
BTU per
per
per pound:
pound:
pound: ℎℎlFm/[k
lFm/[k
ℎlFm/[k = == 2.324
2.324
2.324 ∙∙ ℎℎ∙ ∙X/jX
ℎℎX/jX
X/jX
Enthalpy
Enthalpy in
Enthalpyin BTU
BTU
in BTUper
perpound:
per pound: ℎℎlFm/[k
pound: =
= 2.324
2.324 ∙ ℎ X/jX
lFm/[k X/jX

Note
Note
Note that
that
that zero
zero
zero enthalpy
enthalpy
enthalpy has
has
has adifferent
different
aaadifferent base
base
base temperature:
temperature:
temperature: 0 00°F°F isoften
often
isoften used
used together
together with
with the
the
Note that
Btu/lb
Note that zero
unit.
zero enthalpy
enthalpy has
has a different
different base
base temperature:
temperature: 00°F
°F
°F
is
is
is often
often
used
used
used
together
together
together
with
with
with
the
the
the
Btu/lb
Btu/lb unit.
unit.
Note that zero enthalpy has a different base temperature: 0 °F is often used together with the Btu/lb unit.
Btu/lb
Btu/lb unit.
unit.

12. References
[1] D. Sonntag, “The history of formulations and measurements of saturation water vapour pressure,”
in Papers and abstracts from the Third International Symposium on Humidity and Moisture, vol. 1,
Teddington, 1998.

[2] L. Greenspan, “Functional Equations for the Enhancement Factors for CO 2 -free moist air,” Journal of
Research of NBS 80A, pp. 41–44, 1975.

[3] B. Hardy, “Formulations for vapor pressure, frostpoint, temperature, dewpoint temperature, and
enhancement factors in range -100 °C to 100 °C,” in Papers and abstracts from the Third International
Symposium on Humidity and Moisture, vol. 1, Teddington, 1998.

Ref. B210973EN-O ©Vaisala 2025

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