Electrolysis Time Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the electrolysis time calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Electrolysis Time Calculator

Formulas Used

Time Required

time_s = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass)

Time Required

time_min = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass * 60)

Time Required

time_hr = (target_mass * z * 96485) / (current * molar_mass * 3600)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
target_massTarget Mass(g)10
currentCurrent (I)(A)5
molar_massMolar Mass (M)(g/mol)63.55
zCharge Number (z)2

How It Works

Electrolysis Time Calculation

Formula

t = (m × z × F) / (I × M)

Where:

  • t = time (s)
  • m = target mass (g)
  • z = charge number
  • F = 96485 C/mol
  • I = current (A)
  • M = molar mass (g/mol)

    • This is a rearrangement of Faraday's Law solving for time.

    Worked Example

    Deposit 10 g of copper (M = 63.55, z = 2) using 5 A.

    target_mass = 10current = 5molar_mass = 63.55z = 2
    1. 01t = (m × z × F) / (I × M)
    2. 02t = (10 × 2 × 96485) / (5 × 63.55)
    3. 03t = 1,929,700 / 317.75
    4. 04t = 6073 s = 101.2 min = 1.69 hr

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I speed up electrolysis?

    Increase the current. Doubling the current halves the time needed. However, very high currents can cause poor-quality deposits or side reactions.

    Does voltage affect deposition time?

    Not directly. Time depends on current (charge per second). Voltage must be sufficient to drive the reaction, but excess voltage just generates heat.

    What if my efficiency is less than 100%?

    Divide the calculated time by the current efficiency (as a decimal). If efficiency is 90%, actual time = calculated time / 0.9.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Electrolysis Time Calculator