Theoretical Yield Calculator
Calculate maximum theoretical yield from stoichiometry and limiting reagent data
Calculate Theoretical Yield
Limiting Reagent Properties
Mass of the limiting reagent
Molar mass of limiting reagent
Number before reagent in balanced equation
Desired Product Properties
Molar mass of desired product
Number before product in balanced equation
Theoretical Yield Formula
Step 1: n(limiting reagent) = mass(reagent) / MW(reagent)
Step 2: n(product) = n(reagent) × (stoich(product) / stoich(reagent))
Step 3: Theoretical yield = n(product) × MW(product)
Where: n = moles, MW = molecular weight, stoich = stoichiometric coefficient
Example Calculation
Silver Chloride Precipitation
Reaction: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃
Limiting reagent: 5.0 g AgNO₃ (MW = 169.87 g/mol)
Desired product: AgCl (MW = 143.32 g/mol)
Stoichiometry: 1:1 ratio
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Calculate moles of AgNO₃: n = 5.0 g / 169.87 g/mol = 0.0294 mol
2. Calculate moles of AgCl formed: n = 0.0294 mol × (1/1) = 0.0294 mol
3. Calculate theoretical yield: mass = 0.0294 mol × 143.32 g/mol = 4.22 g
Result: 4.22 g AgCl theoretical yield
Common Reaction Examples
Precipitation: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃
Reagent MW: 169.87 g/mol
Product MW: 143.32 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 1:1
Combustion: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Reagent MW: 16.04 g/mol
Product MW: 44.01 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 1:1
Synthesis: 2Al + 3Cl₂ → 2AlCl₃
Reagent MW: 26.98 g/mol
Product MW: 133.34 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 2:2
Acid-Base: NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
Reagent MW: 40 g/mol
Product MW: 58.44 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 1:1
Decomposition: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
Reagent MW: 34.01 g/mol
Product MW: 32 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 2:1
Fermentation: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
Reagent MW: 180.16 g/mol
Product MW: 46.07 g/mol
Stoichiometry: 1:2
Quick Reference
Molecular Weight
Sum of atomic weights in g/mol
Stoichiometry
Coefficient before formula in balanced equation
Limiting Reagent
Reactant that runs out first
Calculation Tips
Always balance the chemical equation first
Identify the limiting reagent correctly
Use accurate molecular weights
Theoretical yield assumes 100% efficiency
Consider stoichiometric ratios carefully
Understanding Theoretical Yield
What is Theoretical Yield?
Theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that could be formed from a given amount of limiting reagent, assuming the reaction proceeds with 100% efficiency and no side reactions occur.
Key Concepts
- •Limiting Reagent: The reactant that is completely consumed first
- •Stoichiometry: Quantitative relationships in balanced equations
- •Molar Mass: Mass of one mole of a substance (g/mol)
- •100% Efficiency: Perfect conversion with no losses
Calculation Steps
Step 1: Find Moles
Calculate moles of limiting reagent using: n = mass / molecular weight
Step 2: Apply Stoichiometry
Use mole ratios from balanced equation to find product moles
Step 3: Calculate Mass
Convert product moles to mass using: mass = moles × molecular weight
Applications of Theoretical Yield
Industrial Chemistry
Optimize production processes and estimate material requirements for large-scale manufacturing.
Laboratory Research
Plan experiments, determine reaction efficiency, and compare actual vs theoretical yields.
Cost Analysis
Calculate material costs and economic feasibility of chemical processes and reactions.