Chemical Equation Balancer

How to Balance Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. Our equation balancer handles this automatically.

Enter your unbalanced equation using an arrow (->) to separate reactants from products. For example: H2 + O2 -> H2O becomes 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O.

Why Balance Equations?

The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Every atom present in the reactants must also appear in the products. Balancing an equation means adjusting the coefficients (the numbers in front of each formula) so this condition is met.

Balanced equations are essential for stoichiometric calculations. Without correct coefficients, you cannot determine the exact amounts of reactants needed or products formed in a reaction. This makes equation balancing a foundational skill in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering.

Tips for Balancing Equations

• Start by balancing elements that appear in only one reactant and one product.
• Balance hydrogen and oxygen atoms last, as they often appear in multiple compounds.
• For combustion reactions, balance carbon first, then hydrogen, then oxygen.
• Check your work by counting each element on both sides of the equation.
• Use the smallest whole-number coefficients possible.

Common Equation Types

This balancer handles all major reaction types: synthesis (combination) reactions like Na + Cl2 -> NaCl, decomposition reactions, single and double replacement reactions, and combustion reactions. It supports polyatomic ions, parenthetical groups, and complex organic formulas.