Molar Mass Calculator
Calculate molar mass and analyze chemical formulas with detailed elemental breakdown. Supports complex formulas with parentheses, hydrates, and subscripts.
About Molar Mass Calculation
Basic Formula
Supported Formats
Example Calculations
What is Molar Mass?
Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It's a fundamental concept in chemistry that allows us to convert between the mass of a substance and the number of moles, which is essential for stoichiometric calculations.
Key Concepts
Atomic Mass
The average mass of atoms of an element, measured in atomic mass units (amu). Numerically equal to molar mass for elements.
Molecular Formula
Shows the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule, like H₂O (2 hydrogen, 1 oxygen) or C₆H₁₂O₆ (6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, 6 oxygen).
Avogadro's Number
6.022 × 10²³ entities per mole. One mole contains this many atoms, molecules, or formula units of a substance.
Stoichiometry
The calculation of quantities in chemical reactions, using molar mass to convert between grams and moles.
Applications
Chemical Analysis
Determining the composition and purity of chemical compounds.
Drug Development
Calculating dosages and understanding molecular interactions.
Material Science
Designing materials with specific properties and compositions.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1. Identify elements: List all elements in the formula
- 2. Count atoms: Determine how many of each element are present
- 3. Find atomic masses: Look up atomic mass for each element
- 4. Multiply: Atomic mass × number of atoms for each element
- 5. Sum totals: Add all products together for final molar mass
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate are the atomic masses used?
A: Our calculator uses atomic masses from the latest IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) periodic table, accurate to 3-6 decimal places. These are the standard values used in most chemistry calculations.
Q: Can I calculate molar mass for organic compounds?
A: Yes! Our calculator supports all types of compounds including organic molecules like glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), proteins, and complex organic structures. Simply enter the molecular formula.
Q: How do I enter formulas with parentheses?
A: Use regular parentheses ( ) for grouping atoms. For example, calcium hydroxide is Ca(OH)₂ or Ca(OH)2. The calculator automatically multiplies everything inside parentheses by the subscript number.
Q: What about hydrated compounds?
A: Use the dot (·) or period (.) to separate the main compound from water molecules. For example: CuSO₄·5H₂O or CuSO4.5H2O for copper sulfate pentahydrate.
Q: Can I use subscript numbers?
A: Yes! You can use either regular numbers (H2O) or subscript numbers (H₂O). Both formats work identically in our calculator.
Q: Why is molar mass important in chemistry?
A: Molar mass is essential for stoichiometry - converting between grams and moles in chemical reactions. It's used in calculating yields, determining concentrations, and balancing equations in both academic and industrial chemistry.
Q: What if I get an error message?
A: Common errors include: unmatched parentheses, invalid element symbols, or empty formulas. Check that all parentheses are balanced, element symbols are correct (case-sensitive), and no special characters are used.
Q: How do I calculate percentage composition?
A: Our calculator automatically shows the percentage composition in the breakdown table. Each element's percentage is calculated as (element's total mass / compound's molar mass) × 100%.
Q: Can this calculator help with stoichiometry problems?
A: Absolutely! Knowing molar masses is the first step in stoichiometric calculations. Use the results to convert between grams and moles, then apply mole ratios from balanced equations.
Q: Is this tool suitable for students?
A: Yes! This calculator is perfect for chemistry students at all levels - from high school general chemistry to advanced undergraduate courses. The detailed breakdown helps understand the calculation process.
Pro Tip
For complex molecules, break them down into smaller parts first. Calculate each part separately, then add them together. This approach helps avoid errors and makes it easier to verify your work.
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