How to use this calculator
- Enter a complete reactant-to-product equation.
- Enter one mass or amount for each reactant.
- Select the product that you want to calculate.
- Calculate and review the balanced reaction and material balance.
Formula and variables
reaction extent = nᵢ / nuᵢ
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| nᵢ | species amount | mol |
| nuᵢ | balanced coefficient | dimensionless |
Worked example
For 2 H2 + O2 -> 2 H2O, H2=4 mol and O2=1 mol makes O2 limiting and permits 2 mol H2O.
Interpretation
The smallest available stoichiometric extent identifies the limiting reactant; remaining material is computed from that same extent.
Common mistakes
- Supply one quantity for every reactant using the displayed formula labels.
- Mass quantities require atomic data for every element in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Does this calculator predict reaction products?
No. Enter the expected products. The tool balances the reaction and calculates the material result.
Can I use an unbalanced equation?
Yes. The tool balances the entered equation before it uses the coefficients.
What quantities can I enter?
Enter each reactant as a mass or an amount in moles, millimoles, or micromoles.
Can I use scientific notation?
Yes. Enter values such as 6.022e23 or 1.0e-6 in a numeric field.
How should I round the result?
Keep extra digits during the calculation. Round the final result to the precision required by your data.