Chemical Equation Balancer with Step-by-Step Solutions
This chemical equation balancer turns an unbalanced reaction into correctly balanced coefficients in one click, using Gaussian elimination on an element matrix. Type the equation, press Balance, and read the result with the supporting work shown. It is built for students, teachers, and anyone checking homework or lab calculations.
Beyond the balanced equation, you also get an element-count table that verifies both sides, the detected reaction type, total molar mass for reactants and products, and an expandable step-by-step view of the matrix and elimination. Parentheses for polyatomic ions such as Ca(OH)2 and Ca3(PO4)2 are fully supported.
How to Balance a Chemical Equation
Enter your equation
Type the reaction in standard notation. Use + to separate compounds on the same side, and =, →, ->, or => to separate reactants from products. Use parentheses for polyatomic ions, for example Ca(OH)2 + H3PO4 = Ca3(PO4)2 + H2O.
Balance it
Click Balance or press Enter to solve. The balanced equation appears with color-coded coefficients and formatted subscripts.
Verify the result
Check the Element Count table to confirm every element matches on the reactant and product sides, then review the reaction-type badge and the total molar mass for each side.
See the steps
Expand Step-by-Step Solution to follow the element matrix, the Gaussian elimination, and the final solution coefficients. Use Example Equations to load a common reaction, or open History to re-balance a recent equation.
Features
Automatic Balancing
Solves with Gaussian elimination on an element matrix to find the smallest whole-number coefficients, from simple to multi-compound equations.
Step-by-Step Solution
An expandable view shows the element matrix, the Gaussian elimination, and the final solution coefficients.
Element Count Table
A clear table lists the atom count for each element on the reactant and product sides so you can confirm both sides match.
Reaction Type Detection
Automatically labels combustion, synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions.
Molar Mass Totals
Calculates the total molar mass on each side using standard atomic masses up to uranium, confirming conservation of mass.
Polyatomic Ion Support
Handles parenthesized groups like Ca(OH)2 and Ca3(PO4)2, expanding the inner counts before balancing.
Flexible Arrow Formats
Separate reactants and products with =, →, ->, or => — they are all read the same way.
Example Library
Load 16 ready-made equations across combustion, synthesis & decomposition, replacement, and complex categories with one click.
Equation History
Saves your last 20 balanced equations in the browser so you can re-balance, clear one item, or clear them all.
Copy & Quick Keys
Copy the balanced equation to your clipboard, and press Enter to balance without reaching for the button.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you balance a chemical equation?
Balancing adjusts the coefficients in front of each compound so the number of atoms of every element is equal on both sides, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. This tool does it for you: it builds a matrix where rows are elements and columns are compounds, then uses Gaussian elimination to find the smallest whole-number coefficients.
Why can't you change subscripts when balancing?
Subscripts define the chemical identity of a compound — changing them turns it into a different substance. Balancing only adjusts the coefficients (the numbers in front), which change how many molecules react while keeping each formula intact.
What types of equations can this tool balance?
It balances most equations, including combustion, synthesis, decomposition, and single and double replacement reactions, plus redox reactions that resolve to simple integer coefficients. Compounds with parenthesized groups such as Ca(OH)2 and Ca3(PO4)2 are supported.
Can it show the balancing steps?
Yes. Expand Step-by-Step Solution to see the element matrix, the reduced matrix after Gaussian elimination, and the final integer solution coefficients, so you can follow exactly how the result was reached.
Why does it say "Cannot balance this equation"?
This usually means the equation is chemically invalid — an element appears on one side but not the other — or there is a typo in a formula. It can also appear when the reaction cannot be balanced with simple integer coefficients. Double-check your formulas and the arrow, then try again.
How accurate are the molar mass calculations?
The tool uses standard atomic masses for elements up to uranium and rounds molar mass totals to three decimal places. That is accurate for classwork and homework checks. Equal totals on both sides also serve as a quick visual confirmation that mass is conserved.
Is my data saved or uploaded?
All balancing happens in your browser, and your equation history is stored locally on your device — nothing is sent to a server. Clearing your browser data, or using the clear button, removes the saved history.
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