Stoichiometry & gases · SL/HL
Limiting Reagent Calculator
Enter two reactants as amounts in moles and their balanced-equation coefficients.
Your values
Start with the example or enter your own values. Use a dot for decimals and e for scientific notation.
Calculated locally. No account or input upload.
Result & working
ExampleThe calculator is loading. The worked example is also shown below.
Step-by-step working
The formula
reaction extent ξ = min(n_A/ν_A, n_B/ν_B)
n_product = ξν_product
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ν | Stoichiometric coefficient from the balanced equation. |
| ξ | Available reaction extent set by the smallest n/ν. |
When to use this calculator
Convert all reactant quantities to moles first. The smallest amount divided by its coefficient identifies the limiting reactant.
Worked example
The page opens with these example values. The result below is pre-generated for reference.
- A: n/ν = 0.5/2 = 0.25
- B: n/ν = 0.3/1 = 0.3
- ξ = min(0.25, 0.3) = 0.25 mol
- n(product) = ξν = 0.25 × 2 = 0.5 mol
- m(product) = nM = 0.5 × 18.015 = 9.0075 g
0.5 mol product
Common mistakes
- Do not compare raw mole amounts if coefficients differ.
- Theoretical yield assumes the limiting reactant is fully consumed according to the stated reaction.