Ash Content Calculator

Work out ash content instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Ash Content Calculator

Ash is the inorganic residue after complete incineration, typically at 550 C, and represents total mineral content. Ash percentage is ash mass divided by sample mass. It is a key specification for flour grade, where higher ash indicates more bran, and an indicator of adulteration in spices and powders.

Formulas

Ash content

Ash % = (crucible + ash - empty crucible) x 100 / sample weight

Dry basis

Ash on dry basis % = ash % x 100 / (100 - moisture %)

Worked example

With the default values below, Ash Content Calculator returns Ash Content of 2.8000%. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Empty Crucible Weightminimum 0 g: 22.451 g
Crucible Plus Sampleminimum 0 g: 27.451 g
Crucible Plus Ashminimum 0 g: 22.591 g
Sample Moisture Contentaccepts 0–100 %: 8 %

Results

Ash Content: 2.8000%
Ash On Dry Basis: 3.0435%
Ash Mass: 0.14000
Sample Mass: 5.0000

Step by step

1Values used
2Ash content
3Dry basis
4Ash Content= 2.8000
5Ash On Dry Basis= 3.0435
6Ash Mass= 0.14000
7Sample Mass= 5.0000

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 5 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does flour ash matter?

Bran and germ are mineral rich while endosperm is not, so ash is a direct proxy for extraction rate and flour colour. Grade specifications are written on ash at a stated moisture basis.

What temperature should be used?

550 C for most foods and 900 C for some ash determinations in feed and fuel. Too high a temperature volatilises chlorides and phosphates and understates the result.