Citation Policy
How Solvebility researches, verifies, and references the technical, financial, and scientific information behind every calculator and guide we publish.
Our Commitment
Solvebility publishes free calculators, guides, and explainer articles covering engineering, science, math, and finance topics. Because our content is used by students, professionals, and everyday readers to make real decisions, we take the accuracy and traceability of our information seriously.
Every piece of content on Solvebility is built to be grounded in verifiable, credible sources; reviewed for technical correctness before publication; written in plain language without sacrificing precision; kept current as standards, rates, and best practices change; and clear about the difference between established fact and general guidance.
We prioritize primary sources — the standard, agency, or manufacturer itself — over blogs, forums, or secondhand summaries.
Categories of Sources We Rely On
Engineering & Technical Standards
Where a calculator or article touches on regulated or standardized practice, we consult recognized bodies:
Government & Regulatory Bodies
For energy, environmental, and safety-related content, we reference agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), OSHA, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the European Commission and national energy agencies, and the Australian Energy Regulator and equivalent local authorities.
Academic & Scientific Literature
For formula derivations and technical explainers, we draw on peer-reviewed journal articles, university research and textbooks, and published conference papers and engineering studies.
Manufacturer & Product Documentation
When a topic involves specific equipment, materials, or components, we reference manufacturer datasheets, installation guides, technical specification sheets, and engineering handbooks.
Financial & Market Data
For finance-related calculators, we reference official statistics and rate data from recognized financial institutions, central banks, and government statistical agencies relevant to the region being discussed.
General Industry References
We also draw on established professional handbooks, industry best-practice guides, and reputable trade organizations to round out practical guidance not captured by a formal standard.
How We Build Our Calculators
Every formula behind a Solvebility calculator is based on recognized engineering, mathematical, scientific, or financial principles. Wherever practical, the accompanying article explains:
- The underlying formula and where it comes from
- What each variable represents
- Assumptions and simplifications made
- Units of measurement used
- A worked example showing the formula in action
Some calculators simplify more complex professional methods to keep them accessible to a general audience. When we do this, we say so, and we note that results are for planning and educational purposes rather than a substitute for a licensed professional’s assessment.
Original, Independently Written Content
We do not copy or republish text from other websites, standards documents, or AI tools. Sources are used for research and fact-checking only — every article and guide is independently written (or rewritten) and reviewed by our team before it goes live.
How We Reference Sources
When we cite a source within an article, we aim to identify it clearly enough for a reader to verify it themselves, including where relevant:
- The organization or publisher
- The standard or document number
- The title of the publication or dataset
- A link to the official source
- The publication or revision year
Keeping Content Current
Standards, codes, energy prices, and financial rates change. We periodically review published pages and update them when a referenced standard or code is revised, regulations or rates change, an error is reported or discovered, or a more authoritative or recent source becomes available.
Where relevant, a page will display a “Last Updated” date reflecting the most recent review.
Reporting an Error
If you believe a page on Solvebility contains an outdated figure, a broken or incorrect citation, or a technical mistake, please let us know through our Contact page. We review every credible report and correct verified errors promptly.
Editorial Independence
Source selection at Solvebility is based purely on technical reliability and relevance. It is never influenced by advertising relationships, sponsorships, or commercial partnerships.
Contact Us
If you have a question about a specific citation, source, or calculation methodology, reach out through our Contact page. We welcome input from engineers, educators, researchers, and everyday readers who help us keep Solvebility accurate.