Chemical Equation Balancer
Balance chemical equations with step-by-step solutions
Enter Chemical Equation
Use '+' to separate reactants/products and '→' or '=' for the arrow
Quick Examples
Manual Coefficient Adjustment
Step-by-Step Solution
Enter an equation and click "Balance" to see the step-by-step solution
Balanced Equation
Balanced Equation
Enter equation to balance
Unbalanced
Element Count
No elements to display
Equation Information
Reaction Type:
-
State:
Not balanced
Complexity:
-
Mass Conservation
Reactants Mass:
0 g/mol
Products Mass:
0 g/mol
Difference:
0 g/mol
Common Elements
H
Hydrogen
O
Oxygen
C
Carbon
N
Nitrogen
Cl
Chlorine
Na
Sodium
Types of Chemical Reactions
Combustion
- • Fuel + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
- • Releases heat and light
- • Example: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Synthesis
- • A + B → AB
- • Two or more reactants form one product
- • Example: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
Decomposition
- • AB → A + B
- • One reactant breaks into simpler substances
- • Example: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
Replacement
- • A + BC → AC + B
- • One element replaces another
- • Example: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
Balancing Tips & Methods
Inspection Method
- 1. Start with the most complex molecule
- 2. Balance elements that appear only once on each side
- 3. Balance hydrogen and oxygen last
- 4. Use fractions if needed, then multiply to clear
Algebraic Method
- • Assign variables to each coefficient
- • Write equations for each element
- • Solve the system of equations
- • Useful for complex equations
Common Mistakes
- • Changing subscripts instead of coefficients
- • Forgetting diatomic elements (H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂)
- • Not checking all elements after balancing
- • Using decimals instead of fractions
Troubleshooting
- • If stuck, double-check element counts
- • Try balancing polyatomic ions as groups
- • Consider the reaction type for clues
- • Use the step-by-step solution as a guide