Carbon Dating Calculator
Estimate the age of organic artifacts by comparing the current carbon-14 amount to the original level using the standard decay constant.
Carbon Dating Inputs
Provide the current and original carbon-14 quantities. The calculator assumes a fixed decay constant (0.000121) to estimate the sample age.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the remaining carbon-14 amount that you measured and the estimated original amount when the material was alive. Click Calculate to determine how long the decay process has been happening at the fixed decay rate.
Methodology
The output applies the exponential decay law to solve for the time (age) given the ratio between the original and current carbon-14 quantities. The formula rearranges the decay equation to isolate time at a known decay constant.
Data Source and Methodology
All calculations follow the standard carbon-14 decay formula. Reference the EarthSci guide for an independent explanation of each variable.
The Formula Explained
\( \text{Age} = \frac{\ln\left(\frac{\text{Original Amount}}{\text{Current Amount}}\right)}{0.000121} \)
Glossary of Terms
- Current Amount: The remaining carbon-14 measured in the artifact.
- Original Amount: The estimated carbon-14 content when the organism stopped exchanging carbon.
- Decay Constant: The fixed rate at which carbon-14 decays (0.000121 per year).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is carbon dating?
Carbon dating is a method to determine the age of organic material by comparing its current carbon-14 level with the original amount.
How accurate is carbon dating?
Carbon dating is generally accurate for samples up to about 50,000 years old.
What materials can be carbon dated?
Materials such as wood, charcoal, bone, and plant or animal fibers can be dated with carbon-14.
Why does carbon dating work only on organic materials?
Carbon dating relies on carbon-14, an isotope present only in once-living matter.
Can carbon dating be used on rocks?
No, rocks require different radiometric dating methods.
About the author
Ugo Candido builds scientific and financial calculators that explain the assumptions behind every result.
Contact: info@calcdomain.com
Editorial policy
CalcDomain content is educational. Inputs, assumptions, and calculations are exposed to the user; we do not accept paid placement to influence calculator outputs.