Fast & Accurate Molecular Weight Calculator

Calculate molecular weight (molar mass) instantly for any chemical formula. Our advanced calculator supports complex compounds, hydrates, parentheses, and provides detailed element breakdowns. Perfect for students, researchers, and chemistry professionals.

Calculate Molecular Weight

Enter chemical formulas with elements, numbers, parentheses, and hydrates (·)

Choose from example formulas:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Molecular Weight Calculator

Complete guide to molecular weight calculations, molar mass, and advanced chemistry applications

How It Works

What is Molecular Weight?

Molecular weight (also called molecular mass) is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It's expressed in atomic mass units (u) or daltons (Da), where 1 u = 1.66054 × 10⁻²⁴ grams.

Example: Water (H₂O) = 2×1.008 + 1×15.999 = 18.015 u

How the Calculator Works

  1. Formula Parsing: Breaks down your chemical formula into individual elements and their quantities
  2. Element Recognition: Identifies each chemical element using the periodic table
  3. Count Calculation: Handles parentheses, subscripts, and coefficients correctly
  4. Mass Lookup: Uses IUPAC standard atomic weights for each element
  5. Final Calculation: Multiplies each element's count by its atomic mass and sums the total

Supported Formula Types

  • Simple compounds: H₂O, NaCl, CO₂, NH₃
  • With parentheses: Ca(OH)₂, (NH₄)₂SO₄, Mg(NO₃)₂
  • Hydrated salts: CuSO₄·5H₂O, FeSO₄·7H₂O
  • Complex molecules: C₆H₁₂O₆, C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂
  • Ionic compounds: Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O

Technical Features

  • Dual Processing: Primary API calculation with JavaScript fallback
  • High Precision: Uses IUPAC 2019 standard atomic weights
  • Error Handling: Validates formulas and provides helpful error messages
  • Progressive Enhancement: Works with or without JavaScript
  • Accessibility: Full keyboard navigation and screen reader support

Formula Parsing Rules

  • Element symbols are case-sensitive (Ca ≠ CA)
  • Numbers after elements indicate quantity (H₂ = 2 hydrogens)
  • Parentheses group elements: (SO₄)₂ = 2 sulfate groups
  • Use · or * for hydrates: CuSO₄·5H₂O
  • Simplified hydrate notation: FeSO4x7H2O (x = water molecules)
  • Subscript characters ₁₂₃₄ are automatically converted
  • Spaces are ignored in most cases

Data Sources & Accuracy

Atomic masses are sourced from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) standard atomic weights, updated in 2019. These values represent the most accurate and internationally recognized atomic masses available.

Results are calculated with high precision and displayed with appropriate significant figures based on the input formula complexity.