Skip to main content

Archimedes' Principle Calculator

Calculate buoyant force: Fb = ρ g V.

Instructions

1

Enter the fluid density

Use kg/m³; water is ~1000 kg/m³ at room temperature.

2

Enter displaced volume

Use cubic meters of the submerged volume.

3

Click Calculate

The tool returns buoyant force in Newtons.

Formula

Fb = ρ g V

Where: ρ is fluid density, g is gravitational acceleration, V is displaced volume.

Example: ρ = 1000 kg/m³, V = 0.05 m³ → Fb ≈ 490.33 N.

About Archimedes' Principle

An object immersed in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

Applications

  • Ship and submarine buoyancy
  • Hydrometer measurements
  • Balloon and blimp lift estimates

Common Questions

Does shape matter?

For buoyant force magnitude, only displaced volume matters, not shape.

What about gases?

Archimedes' principle applies to gases as well; use gas density for ρ.

Why does a ship float?

Its average density is less than water due to enclosed air, so buoyant force balances weight.