PPB Definition in Chemistry (Parts Per Billion)

What Does PPB Mean in Chemistry?

PPB or parts per billion is used to describe concentration in extremely dilute solutions.
PPB or parts per billion is used to describe concentration in extremely dilute solutions. Glow Images, Inc / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on March 05, 2019

PPB stands for parts per billion. One part per billion is one part of solute per one billion parts solvent. PPB is a commonly used unit of concentration for very small values. The "parts per" notation is not part of the SI system of units. The notation describes dimensionless quantities. The ppb notation is most often seen in physics and engineering. In chemistry, the use of SI-compliant units is encouraged.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "PPB Definition in Chemistry (Parts Per Billion)." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-ppb-in-chemistry-605470. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). PPB Definition in Chemistry (Parts Per Billion). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-ppb-in-chemistry-605470 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "PPB Definition in Chemistry (Parts Per Billion)." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-ppb-in-chemistry-605470 (accessed June 4, 2023).
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