The cell constant, K, is equal to the distance in cm between the probe’s electrodes divided by the surface area of the electrodes in cm2. For solutions with low conductivities the electrodes can be placed closer together or MADE larger so that the cell constant is less than one. This has the EFFECT of raising the conductance to produce a value more easily INTERPRETED by the meter. The reverse also applies, in high conductivity solutions, the electrodes are placed farther apart or made smaller to REDUCE the conductance of the sample. By using the APPROPRIATE probe, K=0.1 for low conductivity solutions, K=1 for normal solutions and K=10 for high conductivity solutions, accurate measurements across the full range of conductivity values can be made.

The cell constant, K, is equal to the distance in cm between the probe’s electrodes divided by the surface area of the electrodes in cm2. For solutions with low conductivities the electrodes can be placed closer together or made larger so that the cell constant is less than one. This has the effect of raising the conductance to produce a value more easily interpreted by the meter. The reverse also applies, in high conductivity solutions, the electrodes are placed farther apart or made smaller to reduce the conductance of the sample. By using the appropriate probe, K=0.1 for low conductivity solutions, K=1 for normal solutions and K=10 for high conductivity solutions, accurate measurements across the full range of conductivity values can be made.