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Chemistry

Chemical Equation Balancer

Balance any chemical equation by conserving every element, with whole-number coefficients.

Your inputs

Change any value to update the result instantly.

Chemistry

Balanced equation

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Coefficients

1 : 5 : 3 : 4

Elements conserved

C, H, O

Substances in the equation

4

Check

Every element has the same atom count on both sides

Coefficients are solved exactly with whole-number arithmetic and then reduced to the smallest possible set. Reaction state labels such as (s), (l), (g) and (aq) are ignored for balancing.

What this calculator does

Balances a chemical equation by solving the element-conservation system for the smallest set of whole-number coefficients.

What your result means

The balanced equation, in which every element has the same number of atoms on both sides, as required by conservation of mass.

Formula and working

For every element: atoms on the reactant side = atoms on the product side

  1. 1

    Collect the inputs

    Chemical equation = C3H8 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O

  2. 2

    Apply the formula

    For every element: atoms on the reactant side = atoms on the product side

  3. 3

    Result

    Balanced equation = C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Frequently asked questions

Symbols and assumptions

nu
Stoichiometric coefficient of a substance
element row
One conservation equation per element
  • Formulas are written with standard element symbols.
  • Brackets and hydrate notation are expanded before balancing.
  • State labels such as (s), (l), (g) and (aq) do not affect balancing.

Sources and review

Reviewed 2026-09-22 · Next review 2027-09-22

  • Equations with more than one independent balanced answer are rejected rather than guessed. Charge-balanced redox half-equations are not handled.

Important limitation

This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.

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