Physics

API Gravity Calculator

Convert specific gravity to API gravity for petroleum.

Parameters Live Compute
Calculated Output
API gravity (°API) 34.971
Formula: API = 141.5 ÷ SG − 131.5
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Values used:
2. Specific gravity (60°F) = 0.85
3.
4. API gravity = 34.971°API
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API gravity rates how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to water.

The math behind it

API = 141.5 ÷ SG − 131.5. Above 10 °API floats on water; below 10 sinks.

Worked Example

SG 0.85 → about 34.97 °API.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'light' crude?

Higher API (lower density) oils are called light; they generally fetch more.

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