All Tools

Balance Chemical Equations

Enter an unbalanced chemical equation and this tool will find the smallest integer coefficients that balance every element on both sides. Color-coded atom counts verify the result instantly.

Enter Equation

Use element symbols (H2O, Fe2O3), + between compounds, -> between sides

Balanced Equation

2H2+O2→2H2O

Atom Count Verification

ElementReactantsProductsBalanced?
H44
O22

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify all elements

Elements: H,O\text{Elements: } \text{H}, \text{O}

2. Write the unbalanced equation

H2+O2→H2O\text{H2} + \text{O2} \rightarrow \text{H2O}

3. Determine integer coefficients

Coefficients: 2,1,2\text{Coefficients: } 2, 1, 2

4. Write the balanced equation

2H2+O2→2H2O2\text{H2} + \text{O2} \rightarrow 2\text{H2O}

5. Verify atom counts on both sides

H: 4=4  ✓\text{H: } 4 = 4 \; \checkmarkO: 2=2  ✓\text{O: } 2 = 2 \; \checkmark

Reference Guide

Law of Conservation of Mass

In every chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. No atoms are created or destroyed.

This means the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.

Coefficients vs Subscripts

Coefficients (the big numbers in front) multiply entire molecules. Subscripts (the small numbers below) are part of the formula and cannot be changed.

2H2O means 2 molecules, each with 2 H and 1 O2\text{H}_2\text{O} \text{ means 2 molecules, each with 2 H and 1 O}

Combustion Reactions

A hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen always produces carbon dioxide and water.

CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O\text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}

Balancing Strategy

Start with elements that appear in only one compound on each side. Save hydrogen and oxygen for last since they often appear in multiple compounds.

This tool uses an algebraic method that finds the smallest set of integer coefficients automatically.