MAXScanner physics & engineering calculator
Buoyancy Calculator — Archimedes Force, Apparent Weight & Float Check
Calculate buoyant force from displaced volume and fluid density, compare it with object weight and report net vertical force and a simple float/sink check.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
Results
Enter non-negative volume/mass and positive fluid density
Formula, example and assumptions
Fb=ρfluid·g·Vdisplaced; W=m·g; Fnet=Fb−W.
Displacing 0.01 m³ of fresh water produces about 98.1 N of buoyant force using g=9.80665 m/s².
- The simple force balance assumes the entered displaced volume is physically achievable.
- Hydrodynamic lift, surface tension, waves and compressibility are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
Why does displaced volume matter?
Archimedes’ principle ties buoyant force to the weight of fluid displaced, so submerged/displaced volume directly controls the upward force.
When will an object float?
A freely floating object settles when buoyant force balances its weight; this calculator reports the force comparison for the entered displacement.