Radiocarbon Dating Calculator

Estimate the age of organic samples using C-14 decay.

Enter the measured and initial C-14 values to calculate the sample's age. Adjust the half-life if needed.

Examples

See how radiocarbon dating works in practice.

Ancient Wooden Tool

Archaeology

A wooden tool is found with 25% of its original C-14 remaining. Calculate its age.

Measured C-14: 25 %

Initial C-14: 100 %

Half-life (years): 5730 years

Unit: years

Fossilized Plant

Geology

A fossilized plant sample has 12% of its original C-14. Estimate its age.

Measured C-14: 12 %

Initial C-14: 100 %

Half-life (years): 5730 years

Unit: years

Animal Bone

Biology

An animal bone contains 40% of its original C-14. Find out how old it is.

Measured C-14: 40 %

Initial C-14: 100 %

Half-life (years): 5730 years

Unit: years

Custom Sample (dpm)

Custom

A sample's measured activity is 15 dpm, initial activity was 60 dpm. Calculate the age.

Measured C-14: 15 %

Initial C-14: 60 dpm

Half-life (years): 5730 years

Unit: years

Other Titles
Understanding Radiocarbon Dating Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything you need to know about C-14 age estimation.

What is Radiocarbon Dating?

  • Principle of C-14 Decay
  • Historical Development
  • Importance in Science
Radiocarbon dating is a method for determining the age of an object containing organic material by measuring the amount of carbon-14 it contains.
How C-14 Decay Works
C-14 is a radioactive isotope that decays over time. By comparing the current amount to the original, we can estimate the time elapsed since the organism's death.

Common Applications

  • Dating ancient bones
  • Estimating the age of wooden artifacts

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Input Requirements
  • Calculation Process
  • Interpreting Results
Entering Data
Provide the measured and initial C-14 values. Adjust the half-life if needed.
Calculation Steps
The calculator uses the exponential decay formula to estimate the sample's age.

Sample Inputs

  • Measured: 25, Initial: 100, Half-life: 5730
  • Measured: 15 dpm, Initial: 60 dpm, Half-life: 5730

Real-World Applications of Radiocarbon Dating

  • Archaeology
  • Geology
  • Biology
Archaeological Dating
Used to date ancient artifacts, bones, and wooden tools.
Geological Uses
Helps determine the age of organic remains in geological samples.

Practical Uses

  • Dating fossils
  • Determining the age of sediment layers

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Misunderstanding Half-life
  • Sample Contamination
  • Result Interpretation
Half-life Confusion
Always use the correct half-life for C-14. Some sources may use slightly different values.
Sample Purity
Contaminated samples can lead to inaccurate results. Ensure proper sample preparation.

Misconceptions

  • Using 5730 vs 5700 years for half-life
  • Incorrectly assuming all C-14 is original

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Decay Formula
  • Logarithmic Calculation
  • Worked Examples
Decay Equation
The age is calculated using: t = (1/λ) * ln(N0/N), where λ = ln(2)/half-life.
Example Calculation
If measured C-14 is 25% of initial, t = (half-life / ln2) * ln(100/25) ≈ 11460 years.

Mathematical Examples

  • Measured: 12, Initial: 100, Half-life: 5730
  • Measured: 40, Initial: 100, Half-life: 5730