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Chemical equation balancer

Balance a chemical equation and see the coefficients step by step.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Works on any device

About Chemical equation balancer

Type an unbalanced reaction such as Fe plus O2 giving Fe2O3 and get the smallest whole-number coefficients that put the same number of each atom on both sides. This follows conservation of mass. Always balance by changing coefficients, never the subscripts inside a formula, which would change the substance itself.

How to use Chemical equation balancer

  1. Type the unbalanced equation with an arrow sign, such as H2 + O2 = H2O.
  2. Click the balance button to find the whole-number coefficients.
  3. Read the balanced equation and follow the steps shown under it.

Why use this tool?

Also known as

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I change the subscripts when balancing?

Subscripts define the compound. Changing H2O to H2O2 gives hydrogen peroxide, a different substance. Only the coefficients in front of each formula can be adjusted to balance atoms.

How do I write ions or charges in the equation?

Keep to element symbols and plain formulas, and write brackets as in Ca(OH)2. If a result looks wrong, check capital letters first, because Co is cobalt but CO is carbon monoxide.

Why does the balancer say my equation cannot be balanced?

Usually an element appears on only one side, or a symbol is mistyped. Check that every element on the left also appears on the right and that capitalization is correct.

Is Chemical equation balancer free?

Yes. Chemical equation balancer on Toolipedia is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark.

Is it safe to use?

Yes. Everything is worked out in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on Android and iPhone, as well as on tablets and computers. There's nothing to install.

Do I need an account?

No. Just open the page and use the tool. There's no sign-up and no email needed.

Can I put Chemical equation balancer on my own website?

Yes. Use the Embed on your site button under the tool to copy a short piece of code and paste it into your page. It is free, needs no account, and the tool keeps working inside your page.

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