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Analytical · Glossary

What is Conductivity?

µS/cm, mS/cmAnalytical

Conductivity is the ability of a solution to carry electric current, which rises with the concentration of dissolved ions.

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Conductivity Explained

It is used to monitor water purity, boiler blowdown, cleaning solutions and concentration of acids and bases.

Contacting cells suit clean and low conductivity water; inductive (toroidal) sensors suit dirty and high conductivity liquids.

Conductivity Formula

κ = G × K
κconductivity (S/cm)
Gmeasured conductance (S)
Kcell constant (1/cm)
Example: Cell constant 1.0 /cm, conductance 500 µS: κ = 500 µS/cm.

Conductivity: Typical Values

Ultrapure water0.055 µS/cm at 25 °C
Drinking waterabout 50 to 800 µS/cm
Seawaterabout 50 mS/cm
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Calculators for Conductivity

CalculatorConductivity Temperature Compensation CalculatorFree online calculator with formula and worked example.CalculatorTDS CalculatorFree online calculator with formula and worked example.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conductivity?

Conductivity is the ability of a solution to carry electric current, which rises with the concentration of dissolved ions.

Why choose a cell constant?

Low constants suit pure water, high constants suit concentrated solutions, keeping the measured resistance in range.

Is conductivity the same as TDS?

No, TDS is estimated from conductivity with a factor.

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