Double Displacement Reaction Calculator

Double Displacement Reaction Calculator. A double displacement reaction (also called a metathesis reaction) occurs when two ionic compounds swap their ions to form two new compounds — this calculator predicts the products automatically. Enter the cation and anion of each reactant compound into the Double Displacement Reaction Calculator to get the full reaction equation. Secondary outputs include Product 1, Product 2, and the reaction type, with an option to display the balanced chemical equation. Also try the Chemical Equation Balancer.

First Compound - Cation *

Enter the positive ion of the first compound

First Compound - Anion *

Enter the negative ion of the first compound

Second Compound - Cation *

Enter the positive ion of the second compound

Second Compound - Anion *

Enter the negative ion of the second compound

Show Balanced Equation

Display the balanced chemical equation

Results

Reaction Equation

Product 1

Product 2

Reaction Type

Results Table

What is a double displacement reaction?

A double displacement reaction is a type of chemical reaction where two ionic compounds exchange their ions to form two new compounds. The general form is AB + CD → AD + CB. See also our find Reaction Prediction with Activity Series Calculator.

How does the double displacement reaction calculator work?

The calculator takes the cations and anions from two ionic compounds and predicts the products by swapping the ions. It follows the principle that cations combine with anions to form new ionic compounds.

What are some examples of double displacement reactions?

Common examples include precipitation reactions like AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃, and acid-base neutralization reactions like HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O.

How do I write ion formulas correctly?

Write the element symbol followed by the charge. Use + for positive ions (cations) and - for negative ions (anions). For charges greater than 1, include the number: Ca2+, SO4^2-.

Will all double displacement reactions occur?

Not all double displacement reactions will occur. They typically happen when one of the products is insoluble (forms a precipitate), is a gas, or is a weak electrolyte like water.

What is the difference between single and double displacement?

In single displacement, one element replaces another in a compound (A + BC → AC + B). In double displacement, two compounds exchange ions (AB + CD → AD + CB).

How do I balance double displacement equations?

Balance by ensuring equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides. Start with the most complex compound and adjust coefficients to balance each element systematically. You might also find our calculate Net Ionic Equation useful.