Percent Yield Calculator

Calculate the efficiency of chemical reactions by comparing actual and theoretical yields.

Enter the reactants, their amounts, and the actual yield of your product. The calculator will determine the theoretical yield, identify the limiting reactant, and calculate the percent yield.

Examples

See how to use the Percent Yield Calculator with real chemical reactions.

Ammonia Synthesis Reaction

Synthesis

Calculate percent yield for: N2(g) + 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g) with given amounts.

Reactants: N2 (coef: 1, 28.0g, MM: 28.02), H2 (coef: 3, 6.0g, MM: 2.016)
Products: NH3 (coef: 2, MM: 17.03)

Actual Yield: 25.0g

Methane Combustion

Combustion

Calculate percent yield for: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g).

Reactants: CH4 (coef: 1, 16.0g, MM: 16.04), O2 (coef: 2, 64.0g, MM: 32.00)
Products: CO2 (coef: 1, MM: 44.01)

Actual Yield: 40.0g

Calcium Carbonate Decomposition

Decomposition

Calculate percent yield for: CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g).

Reactants: CaCO3 (coef: 1, 100.0g, MM: 100.09)
Products: CaO (coef: 1, MM: 56.08)

Actual Yield: 50.0g

Silver Chloride Precipitation

Precipitation

Calculate percent yield for: AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq).

Reactants: AgNO3 (coef: 1, 17.0g, MM: 169.87), NaCl (coef: 1, 5.85g, MM: 58.44)
Products: AgCl (coef: 1, MM: 143.32)

Actual Yield: 12.0g

Other Titles
Understanding Percent Yield Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the calculation of reaction efficiency and yield optimization in chemical processes.

What is Percent Yield?

  • Definition of Percent Yield
  • Importance in Chemical Reactions
  • Factors Affecting Yield
Percent yield is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction, calculated as the ratio of actual yield to theoretical yield multiplied by 100%. It indicates how much product was actually obtained compared to what could theoretically be produced.
Why Percent Yield Matters

Real-World Significance

  • A 90% yield means 90% of the theoretical maximum product was obtained.
  • Percent yield helps identify inefficiencies in chemical processes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Percent Yield Calculator

  • Inputting Reaction Data
  • Understanding Results
  • Interpreting Calculations
Start by entering the reactants with their coefficients, amounts, and molar masses. Add the desired product and its molar mass. Enter the actual yield obtained from the experiment. The calculator will automatically determine the limiting reactant and calculate the percent yield.
Step-by-Step Example

Sample Calculation

  • Input: 28g N2, 6g H2, actual yield 25g NH3.
  • Result: 85.7% yield with H2 as limiting reactant.

Real-World Applications of Percent Yield

  • Industrial Chemical Processes
  • Laboratory Experiments
  • Quality Control
Percent yield calculations are crucial in pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and quality control processes. They help optimize reaction conditions and identify areas for improvement.
Industrial Applications

Industry Examples

  • Pharmaceutical companies use percent yield to optimize drug synthesis.
  • Chemical plants monitor yield to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Limiting Reactant Identification
  • Unit Consistency
  • Yield vs. Conversion
Always ensure consistent units throughout calculations. The limiting reactant is the one that produces the least amount of product. Percent yield is different from conversion efficiency.
Avoiding Common Mistakes

Tips for Accuracy

  • Don't confuse limiting reactant with the reactant in smallest amount.
  • Always convert all amounts to moles for accurate calculations.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Percent Yield Formula
  • Limiting Reactant Calculation
  • Stoichiometric Relationships
The percent yield formula is derived from stoichiometric relationships and the law of conservation of mass. Limiting reactant calculations involve comparing the moles of product each reactant can theoretically produce.
Key Formulas

Mathematical Foundation

  • Percent Yield = (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) × 100%
  • Moles = Mass / Molar Mass