How to use this calculator
- Enter each element symbol and its mass or percentage.
- Separate the element-value pairs with commas.
- Calculate and check the normalized mole ratios.
- Change the tolerance only when measurement uncertainty supports the change.
Formula and variables
ratioᵢ = (massᵢ/Aᵢ) / min(mass/A)
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| massᵢ | element mass | g or % |
| Aᵢ | atomic mass | g/mol |
| ratioᵢ | whole-number ratio | dimensionless |
Worked example
C:40.0, H:6.7, O:53.3 by mass produces a mole ratio close to CH2O.
Interpretation
The accepted multiplier is the smallest one that moves every normalized ratio within the visible tolerance of an integer.
Common mistakes
- Use a consistent mass basis for all values.
- Do not hide noisy ratios with an excessively broad tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter percentages instead of masses?
Yes. Treat each percentage as grams in a 100 g sample.
Do the percentages have to total exactly 100?
No. Small differences can result from rounding or measurement uncertainty.
Why does the calculator use a ratio multiplier?
A multiplier converts ratios such as 1.5 or 1.33 to defensible whole-number subscripts.
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.