Home Back

How To Calculate Corrosion Rate

Corrosion Rate Formula:

\[ CR = \frac{Weight\ loss \times 534}{Density \times Area \times Time} \]

g
g/cm³
in²
hours

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Corrosion Rate?

Corrosion Rate measures the speed at which a metal deteriorates in a specific environment. It is typically expressed in mils per year (mpy) and helps in assessing material durability and lifespan.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrosion rate formula:

\[ CR = \frac{Weight\ loss \times 534}{Density \times Area \times Time} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates how quickly a material corrodes by considering mass loss relative to its density, exposed area, and time of exposure.

3. Importance of Corrosion Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate corrosion rate measurement is essential for material selection, maintenance planning, and predicting service life in corrosive environments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight loss in grams, density in g/cm³, area in square inches, and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses grams for weight loss, g/cm³ for density, in² for area, hours for time, and outputs in mpy (mils per year).

Q2: What is considered a high corrosion rate?
A: Generally, rates above 20 mpy are considered high, while rates below 5 mpy are low. This varies by material and application.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for all metals?
A: Yes, as long as you have the correct density value for the specific metal being tested.

Q4: Why is the conversion factor 534?
A: The factor 534 converts the units to mils per year (1 mil = 0.001 inch) while accounting for time and measurement units.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on precise measurement of weight loss, accurate density values, and proper area measurement.

How To Calculate Corrosion Rate© - All Rights Reserved 2025