Carbon Dating Calculator

Calculate age using carbon-14 dating method for archaeological and geological samples with radioactive decay calculations.

Enter Sample Data

Bq/g

Results

Enter sample data to calculate age

Carbon-14 Dating

Decay Equation

t = -τ × ln(A/A₀)

  • • t = Age (years)
  • • τ = Mean lifetime (8267 years)
  • • A = Sample activity
  • • A₀ = Modern activity

Key Constants

  • • Half-life: 5730 years
  • • Mean lifetime: 8267 years
  • • Modern activity: 0.23 Bq/g
  • • Effective range: 0-50,000 years

Applications

Archaeology

  • • Dating artifacts
  • • Site chronology
  • • Cultural periods
  • • Human remains

Geology

  • • Sediment dating
  • • Climate studies
  • • Sea level changes
  • • Volcanic events

Biology

  • • Tree ring dating
  • • Marine samples
  • • Fossil dating
  • • Ecosystem studies

Limitations and Considerations

Age Limitations

  • • Maximum age: ~50,000 years
  • • Minimum age: ~100 years
  • • Nuclear testing effects
  • • Reservoir effects

Sample Requirements

  • • Must contain carbon
  • • Sufficient sample size
  • • No contamination
  • • Proper preservation