Molecular Formula Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the molecular formula calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Molecular Formula Calculator

Formulas Used

Multiplier (n)

multiplier = actual_molar_mass / empirical_mass

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
empirical_massEmpirical Formula Mass(g/mol)30.03
actual_molar_massActual Molar Mass(g/mol)180.16

How It Works

How to Find the Molecular Formula

Formula

n = actual molar mass / empirical formula mass

Multiply all subscripts in the empirical formula by n to get the molecular formula.

Worked Example

Empirical formula CH2O (30.03 g/mol), actual molar mass 180.16 g/mol.

empirical_mass = 30.03actual_molar_mass = 180.16
  1. 01n = 180.16 / 30.03
  2. 02n = 6
  3. 03Molecular formula = C6H12O6 (glucose)

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