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Refractive Index from Speed of Light in Medium Calculator

n = c/v — optical density of a material.

Calculates the refractive index n = c/v_medium, where c = 299,792,458 m/s. Also computes angle of refraction via Snell's law for a given angle of incidence.

Priya Venkatesan By Priya Venkatesan
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

m/s
°

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

n = c / v_medium; sin θ₂ = n₁·sin θ₁ / n₂

In depth

Calculates the refractive index n = c/v_medium, where c = 299,792,458 m/s. Also computes angle of refraction via Snell's law for a given angle of incidence.