Relative Humidity Formula:
From: | To: |
Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount that could be present at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. It's a crucial parameter in meteorology, HVAC, and various industrial processes.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates relative humidity based on the difference between wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures, using the Magnus approximation for saturation vapor pressure.
Details: Accurate humidity measurement is essential for weather forecasting, climate control systems, agricultural planning, industrial processes, and human comfort assessment.
Tips: Enter both wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures in Celsius. Ensure measurements are taken accurately using proper psychrometric instruments.
Q1: What's the difference between wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures?
A: Dry bulb temperature is the ambient air temperature, while wet bulb temperature is measured with a thermometer whose bulb is covered with a wet cloth, affected by evaporation cooling.
Q2: What is considered comfortable relative humidity?
A: For human comfort, relative humidity between 30-60% is generally recommended, with 40-50% being optimal for most indoor environments.
Q3: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: The formula provides good accuracy for most practical purposes, though precision instruments may use more complex algorithms for extreme conditions.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for temperatures below freezing?
A: The formula works for temperatures below 0°C, but accuracy may decrease in very cold conditions where different vapor pressure equations are needed.
Q5: Why is relative humidity important in weather forecasting?
A: RH helps predict precipitation, fog formation, and is crucial for understanding heat index and human comfort levels in different weather conditions.