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