Chemical Equation Balancer

A chemical equation must have the same number of atoms on both sides — the Chemical Equation Balancer finds the correct coefficients so your reaction satisfies the law of conservation of mass. Enter your unbalanced chemical equation using element symbols and a = sign between reactants and products to get the balanced equation, along with a balance status and an atom conservation check confirming each element's count matches across both sides.

Use uppercase for first letter, lowercase for second (e.g., Fe, Au, Co). Use + for reactants, = for products

Results

Balanced Equation

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Status

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Atom Conservation Check

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Results Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the chemical equation balancer work?

The balancer uses mathematical algorithms to solve a system of linear equations representing the conservation of mass for each element. It finds the smallest whole number coefficients that make the number of atoms equal on both sides of the equation.

What format should I use when entering chemical equations?

Use standard chemical notation with uppercase for the first letter and lowercase for the second (Fe, Au, Co). Separate reactants with '+' and use '=' to separate reactants from products. Example: Fe + O2 = Fe2O3

Can I include ions and charges in the equation?

Yes, you can enter ions by specifying the charge in curly brackets after the compound. For example: Fe{3+} + I{-} = Fe{2+} + I2. Use {-} or e for electrons.

What if I don't know the products of a reaction?

You can enter just the reactants and the balancer will help identify potential products based on common reaction patterns, though it's best to have the complete equation for accurate balancing.

Why won't my equation balance?

Some equations may not balance if they're chemically impossible, incorrectly written, or represent incomplete reactions. Check your element symbols, formulas, and ensure the reaction is chemically valid.

Do I need to include states of matter like (s), (l), (g), or (aq)?

No, states of matter are not required for balancing. The balancer focuses only on the chemical formulas and atom counts. You can include them, but they won't affect the balancing process.

What is the law of conservation of mass in chemical equations?

The law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions. This means the total number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of a balanced equation.

Can the balancer handle complex organic molecules?

Yes, the balancer can handle complex molecules, but for very large organic compounds, it's recommended to use simplified group notation (like Ph for phenyl groups) to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate balancing.