Chemistry

Theoretical Yield Calculator

Enter the limiting reactant, the mole ratio and molar masses to get the maximum product mass.

Your numbers

Your results

Theoretical yield (g)
Theoretical yield (g)
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Moles of product
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Moles of reactant
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Percent yield
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Theoretical Yield Calculator by TheCalcTools

How the Theoretical Yield Calculator works

Convert the limiting reactant to moles, multiply by the mole ratio from the balanced equation (product coefficient ÷ reactant coefficient), then convert to grams of product.

Percent yield compares the mass you actually obtained with this maximum.

The formula

Theoretical yield = (mass ÷ M_reactant) × (coef_product ÷ coef_reactant) × M_product

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Mass of limiting reactant (g)10
Molar mass of reactant (g/mol)2.016
Coefficient of reactant2
Coefficient of product2
Molar mass of product (g/mol)18.015
Actual yield (g, optional)80
  1. 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O. 10 g of H₂ is 4.960 mol, giving 4.960 mol of water.
  2. Theoretical yield: 89.36 g; 80 g is a 89.5% yield.

Result:

Theoretical yield (g)89.360
Moles of product4.9603
Moles of reactant4.9603
Percent yield89.5%

Frequently asked questions

Which reactant do I use?

The limiting reactant, the one that runs out first. Use the limiting reagent calculator if you are not sure.

Sources and further reading

More in Chemistry · All calculators

This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.