Theoretical Yield Calculator for Chemical Reactions

Theoretical yield is the greatest amount of product predicted from a balanced chemical equation when the limiting reactant is consumed completely. It provides a benchmark for planning a synthesis and evaluating an experimental result. This calculator converts the limiting reactant mass to moles, applies the stoichiometric coefficient ratio, and converts predicted product moles back to mass. The result assumes ideal conversion with no competing reactions or material losses. A balanced equation is essential because its coefficients specify mole relationships, not mass relationships. First divide reactant mass by reactant molar mass to obtain reactant moles. Then multiply by the product coefficient divided by the reactant coefficient. Finally multiply product moles by product molar mass. Coefficients should be the smallest appropriate whole-number or exact stoichiometric values from the balanced reaction. Chemical formula subscripts and equation coefficients serve different purposes and should not be confused. The entered reactant must be the limiting reactant. When two or more reactants are supplied, calculate the possible product amount from each one independently after converting each to moles. The reactant that predicts the smallest product amount limits the reaction. An excess reactant cannot determine theoretical yield because some of it remains after the limiting reactant is exhausted. Purity also matters: if a weighed reagent is not pure, multiply its mass by its mass fraction before using this calculator. Actual yield is the product mass recovered in an experiment. Percent yield equals actual yield divided by theoretical yield and multiplied by 100. Actual yield is commonly lower because reactions may be incomplete or reversible, side products may form, and product can be lost during transfer, filtration, washing, drying, or purification. An apparent yield above 100 percent often signals retained solvent, impurities, incomplete drying, or measurement error rather than creation of extra product. Use molar masses calculated from the correct formulas, including hydration state where relevant. The tool accepts positive stoichiometric coefficients and does not determine the limiting reactant automatically from multiple reagents. It also does not account for equilibrium, selectivity, or reagent purity unless those effects are reflected in the entered limiting mass. Keep extra digits through the calculation, then round the final mass according to measured precision and laboratory reporting rules.