Audited 31 Jul 2026·Last updated 31 Jul 2026·3 citations·Tier 2·0 uses

API Gravity Calculator

Calculate API gravity from relative density at the petroleum reference condition, without performing a temperature correction with explicit coherent-SI inputs,

API Gravity Calculator

API gravity
34.9706
Result of API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5 using the entered coherent-SI magnitudes.
Model scope
Conversion from an already temperature-referenced relative density; it does not correct observed density to 60°F, infer product composition, or replace ASTM/API measurement and table procedures.

Background.

API Gravity Calculator evaluates API gravity from relative density at the petroleum reference condition, without performing a temperature correction. The page keeps every model input visible and uses the relationship API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5. It is designed for a transparent calculation where the quantities have already been measured or selected from an appropriate source. It does not choose a material, operating condition, reference state, or empirical coefficient on the user's behalf.

Enter relative density at 60°f/60°f in the units printed beside the fields. These are coherent SI quantities, so the displayed equation can be followed without a hidden unit factor. A result is only comparable with another source when the same quantity definitions, reference conditions, and sign or magnitude convention are used. Record those conditions whenever the number supports engineering, laboratory, or coursework decisions.

The calculator performs arithmetic with Decimal.js and rounds once at the output boundary to twelve significant digits. That protects very small and very large scientific results from early decimal-place rounding. The tests do more than pin one example: they check the dimensional scaling implied by each variable, finite and positive domain guards, several orders of magnitude, and the formula-engine registration used by the live page.

Conversion from an already temperature-referenced relative density; it does not correct observed density to 60°F, infer product composition, or replace ASTM/API measurement and table procedures. The scope statement appears beside the numerical result because it changes how the answer may be used. A neat number does not remove uncertainty in measurements, material properties, geometry, calibration, or the assumptions used to reduce a real system to one equation.

Use scaling as a quick reasonableness check. If an input appears in the numerator, increasing it should move the result in the same direction; a denominator should move it in the opposite direction; a square-root term changes more slowly. If the page behaves differently from the displayed relationship, stop and review the units. The calculator rejects zero, negative, infinite, and nonnumeric quantities where the equation requires a positive magnitude.

This page is a calculation aid rather than a substitute for measurement standards, a laboratory method, or a discipline-specific design code. Keep more digits than the source data justify only while carrying intermediate work, and round the reported result to the uncertainty of the least certain input. If a source uses centimetre-gram-second units, customary units, gauge values, or a different reference temperature, convert and document those choices before entering the numbers.

This page is a calculation aid rather than a substitute for measurement standards, a laboratory method, or a discipline-specific design code. Keep more digits than the source data justify only while carrying intermediate work, and round the reported result to the uncertainty of the least certain input. If a source uses centimetre-gram-second units, customary units, gauge values, or a different reference temperature, convert and document those choices before entering the numbers.

What is api gravity calculator?

API Gravity Calculator is a transparent implementation of API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5 for API gravity from relative density at the petroleum reference condition, without performing a temperature correction.

How to use this calculator.

  1. Confirm that the displayed quantity equation matches the model you intend to use.
  2. Convert every measurement to the SI unit printed beside its field.
  3. Enter sourced magnitudes and keep their reference conditions with the result.
  4. Read the numeric result together with the model-scope output.
  5. Round the reported value to the uncertainty supported by the inputs.

The formula.

API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5

The implementation evaluates API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5 with Decimal.js. Inputs are required to be finite and positive because this page treats them as magnitudes. Arithmetic is not rounded between operations; each numeric output is rounded once to twelve significant digits. The scaling tests independently verify the power of every input in the equation.

A worked example.

Example

Using the displayed default inputs in API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5 gives apiGravityDegrees = 34.9705882353 °API. The calculation retains Decimal precision and rounds once at the result boundary.

specific Gravity At60 F0.85

Frequently asked questions.

What equation does this api gravity calculator use?
It uses API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5. Every required magnitude is entered explicitly, and no material or operating-condition lookup is hidden in the result.
Why must all inputs use the displayed units?
The equation is implemented in coherent SI units. Mixing a prefixed or customary-unit value into an SI field changes the number even when the physical situation is unchanged.
When should I not use this result?
Conversion from an already temperature-referenced relative density; it does not correct observed density to 60°F, infer product composition, or replace ASTM/API measurement and table procedures.
How is the result rounded?
Decimal arithmetic is carried through the equation and rounded once at the return boundary to twelve significant digits. Report fewer digits when the input uncertainty requires it.
How can I check the answer?
Follow the displayed equation, verify dimensions, and vary one input. The direction and exponent of the change should match the equation's numerator, denominator, or root.

References& sources.

  1. [1]ASTM D287-22, Standard Test Method for API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products (BIBLIOGRAPHIC/PAYWALL).
  2. [2]API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 11.1 (BIBLIOGRAPHIC/PAYWALL).
  3. [3]BIPM, The International System of Units (SI Brochure), 9th ed., version 3.01, coherent derived units and quantity equations.

How this page was produced

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Quanta Calculator
Primary sources
3 cited below
Method
API gravity = 141.5 / SG(60°F/60°F) - 131.5
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