Solubility Rules Calculator

Solubility in chemistry refers to whether an ionic compound dissolves in water — and the Solubility Rules Calculator tells you exactly that for any combination of ions. Select a cation (positive ion) and an anion (negative ion), then enter a temperature to get the solubility result for the formed compound. Secondary outputs include the compound formula, the rule applied, and any notable exceptions. Also try the Net Ionic Equation Calculator.

°C

Temperature affects solubility

Results

Solubility

--

Compound Formula

--

Rule Applied

--

Exceptions

--

Results Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solubility and how is it defined?

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, typically water. It's measured as the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. See also our use the Combustion Analysis Calculator.

How can I memorize solubility rules effectively?

Focus on the general patterns: all nitrates and acetates are soluble, most chlorides are soluble except silver and lead, and most carbonates and phosphates are insoluble except Group 1 metals and ammonium. Practice with common examples to reinforce the patterns.

Is BaSO4 soluble in water?

No, barium sulfate (BaSO4) is insoluble in water. While most sulfates are soluble, barium sulfate is one of the notable exceptions along with calcium, strontium, mercury, lead, and silver sulfates.

What forms when AgNO3 is mixed with NaCl?

When silver nitrate (AgNO3) is mixed with sodium chloride (NaCl), a precipitation reaction occurs forming insoluble silver chloride (AgCl) and soluble sodium nitrate (NaNO3). The reaction is: AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl↓ + NaNO3. You might also find our calculate Precipitation Reaction Predictor useful.

Which ionic compounds are always soluble in water?

All nitrates (NO3⁻), acetates (CH3COO⁻), and compounds containing Group 1 metals (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) or ammonium (NH4⁺) are always soluble in water with no exceptions.

How do temperature changes affect solubility predictions?

Most ionic solids become more soluble as temperature increases, though the solubility rules remain the same. Temperature primarily affects the degree of solubility rather than whether a compound is classified as soluble or insoluble.

What are the main exceptions to chloride solubility?

While most chlorides are soluble, the main exceptions are silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl2), and mercury(I) chloride (Hg2Cl2), which are all insoluble in water.

Why are solubility rules important in chemistry?

Solubility rules help predict precipitation reactions, determine which compounds will dissolve in solution, and are essential for understanding acid-base reactions, qualitative analysis, and industrial chemical processes.