Percent Yield Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the percent yield calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Percent Yield

percent_yield = (actual_yield / theoretical_yield) * 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
actual_yieldActual Yield(g)18.5
theoretical_yieldTheoretical Yield(g)22

How It Works

How to Calculate Percent Yield

Formula

% Yield = (actual yield / theoretical yield) × 100

Worked Example

A reaction produces 18.5 g but the theoretical yield is 22 g.

actual_yield = 18.5theoretical_yield = 22
  1. 01% Yield = (18.5 / 22) × 100
  2. 02% Yield = 84.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can percent yield exceed 100%?

In theory no, but impure products or measurement errors can give apparent yields above 100%.

What is a good percent yield?

It depends on the reaction. Many organic syntheses consider 60-80% good, while industrial processes aim for 90%+.

Why is percent yield important?

It measures reaction efficiency, helps optimize conditions, and is essential for cost analysis in manufacturing.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Percent Yield Calculator