Chemical Equation Balancer

Try balancing the equation yourself. Watch the atom counts update live, use hints if you get stuck, and reveal the full solution one step at a time.

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About the Chemical Equation Balancer

Balancing an equation means adjusting the coefficients in front of each formula until the number of atoms of every element is the same on both sides — nothing is created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so the equation has to reflect that. This tool lets you do the balancing yourself: type in coefficients, watch the atom counts update instantly, and get a checkmark the moment both sides agree, with hints and a full worked solution if you get stuck.

Practice by difficulty

Switch between Easy, Medium and Hard in Practice mode to get a fresh random equation at your level, from simple combination and decomposition reactions to longer combustion and redox equations with bigger coefficients.

Hints and step-by-step solutions

Stuck on a coefficient? Use Hint for a nudge in the right direction, or reveal the full Solution and walk through it one step at a time to see exactly how each number was chosen.

Custom and ionic equations

Switch to Custom equation to balance your own reaction — including ionic species with a trailing charge like Fe+3 or SO4^2- — and copy the balanced result once it's solved.

Tips for balancing faster

  • Start with the element that appears in the fewest formulas — it usually locks in the most other coefficients.
  • Balance polyatomic ions (like SO4 or NO3) as a single unit when they appear unchanged on both sides.
  • Leave hydrogen and oxygen for last — they usually show up in the most compounds and are easiest to fix at the end.
  • If a coefficient comes out as a fraction, multiply every coefficient in the equation by the same number to clear it.
  • Watch the atom table, not just the equation — a row turns green the instant that element matches on both sides.

Frequently asked questions

Why do equations need to be balanced?

The law of conservation of mass means atoms aren't created or destroyed during a chemical reaction — every atom present in the reactants has to show up somewhere in the products. Balancing an equation is just making the atom counts on both sides match.

Can this tool balance ionic equations?

Yes. Type a species with a trailing charge, such as Fe+3, SO4^2- or Cl-, in the Custom equation panel, and the balancer will account for both atoms and overall charge.

What's the difference between a hint and the solution?

A hint gives you a small push — like which element to look at next — without giving away a number. Show solution reveals the fully balanced equation and lets you step through the reasoning behind each coefficient one step at a time.

Does my score get saved?

Yes, your score and streaks are kept in your browser so they're there next time you visit. Use Reset progress at any point to clear them and start over.

Is my data uploaded anywhere?

No. Every equation is parsed and balanced locally in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server.