This chemical equation balancer finds the smallest whole-number coefficients that conserve every element on both sides.
Chemistry
Chemical Equation Balancer
Balance chemical equations with element conservation.
Calculator
About this calculator
Formula notes
It sets up one linear equation per element (atoms in reactants = atoms in products) and solves for the smallest integer coefficient set.
Worked examples
- Example: H2 + O2 -> H2O balances to 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O.
- For Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3, conserving both elements gives the smallest whole-number coefficients 4, 3, and 2: 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3.
How to use it
- Type the unbalanced equation with element symbols and an arrow.
- Check each element's atom count on both sides.
- Read the balanced equation with minimal coefficients.
Frequently asked questions
Why must coefficients be whole numbers?
Atoms react in discrete counts, so the conserved solution is scaled to integers.
Does capitalization matter in formulas?
Yes. Co is cobalt while CO is carbon monoxide; the parser reads element symbols case-sensitively.
Limits and interpretation
- The parser expects valid element symbols, matched parentheses, and an explicit reaction arrow; it does not infer misspelled formulas.
- Some redox, ionic, or multi-solution equations require charge and reaction-medium reasoning beyond atom-count balancing.