Term: Ringelmann chart
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05394

Definition:
A chart which has been used in air pollution evaluation for assigning the degree of blackness of smoke emanating from a source. The observer compares the shades of grey (white to black) with a series of shade diagrams formed by horizontal and vertical black grid lines on a white background. A corresponding number, the Ringelmann number, is then assigned to the describe the best match; numbers range from 0 (white) to 5 (black). This method of pollution evaluation, although relevant to the enforcement of legislation still in force in many countries, is not recommended for use today since more quantitative indicators of the efficiency of the combustion are now available.

Related Terms:
1) air pollution (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00195).
2) smoke (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05719).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2211 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'Ringelmann chart' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05394

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