The total boron (B_T) is the sum of boron species in a solution. In the environment these species usually include boric acid and borate, for example:

B_T = [H₂BO−3] + [H₃BO₃]

where

• B_T is the total boron concentration
• [H₂BO−3] is the dihydrogen borate concentration
• [H₃BO₃] is the boric acid concentration

Total boron is an important quantity when determining alkalinity due to borate's contribution to a solution's acid neutraling capacity. Total boron is a conservative element in seawater, and can thus be calculated by simply knowing the salinity.