Chemistry

Instant, private, and free

Atom Economy Calculator.

Calculate atom economy from product and total reactant molar masses.

On-device calculationNo signup
01

Set your values

Results update as you type.

Atom economy: 50 %

Atom economy

50.000%

Educational formula calculator. Keep units consistent; chemistry procedures, concentrations, and safety decisions require qualified laboratory guidance. Never mix cleaning products.

Use Cases

Green Chemistry Assessment

Evaluate the efficiency of a chemical synthesis by calculating its atom economy, helping to identify reactions that produce less waste.

Example: Compare two routes to the same product: one with 80% atom economy and another with 50%.

Educational Tool

Use in chemistry classes to teach students about reaction efficiency and the principles of green chemistry.

Example: Calculate atom economy for a given reaction in a lab exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is atom economy?
Atom economy is a measure of how efficiently a chemical reaction uses atoms. It is calculated as the molar mass of the desired product divided by the total molar mass of all reactants, multiplied by 100 to get a percentage.
How do I use this calculator?
Enter the molar mass of the desired product (in g/mol) and the total molar mass of all reactants (in g/mol) into the respective fields. The calculator will then compute the atom economy percentage for you.
What does a higher atom economy indicate?
A higher atom economy means that a larger proportion of the atoms from the reactants end up in the desired product, indicating a more efficient and environmentally friendly reaction with less waste.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure you use the molar mass of the desired product only, not the entire product mixture.
  • The total reactant molar mass should include all reactants, even those in excess.
  • Use consistent units (g/mol) for both inputs to get an accurate percentage.
  • Atom economy is a theoretical value; actual yield may differ due to side reactions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Including the molar mass of byproducts in the desired product mass.
  • Forgetting to include all reactants in the total reactant molar mass.
  • Using masses in grams instead of molar masses in g/mol.

Last updated: August 13, 2026