Actual Yield Calculator
The Actual Yield Calculator finds the real mass of product you obtained from a reaction by combining the theoretical yield with the percent yield. Actual yield = theoretical yield × (percent yield ÷ 100). It also shows the shortfall — how much product was lost to side reactions, incomplete conversion, or handling.
Formula
Actual yield = Theoretical yield x (Percent yield / 100)
- Actual Yield Calculator gives you a fast estimate using your inputs and updates instantly when you change any value.
- Formula: Actual yield = Theoretical yield x (Percent yield / 100)
- Input definitions: • Theoretical yield: the numeric theoretical yield used in the calculation • Percent yield: the numeric percent yield used in the calculation
- Manual method: write down each input, apply the formula step by step, then compare your manual result with the calculator output.
- Uses standard SI and chemistry units (mol, L, g/mol, M, Pa, K) unless otherwise stated.
- Based on standard stoichiometric and thermodynamic equations. Results may vary with temperature, pressure, and substance purity.
- Cross-check results against known standards or reference tables to confirm they are physically reasonable.
- Practical tip: test a low, medium, and high scenario to understand sensitivity before making decisions.
Example Calculation
Inputs
- Theoretical yield: 10 g
- Percent yield: 75 %
If the theoretical yield is 10 g and the reaction runs at 75% yield, the actual yield is 10 × 0.75 = 7.5 g, leaving a 2.5 g shortfall.
Frequently asked questions
What is actual yield?
Actual yield is the real amount of product you recover from a reaction, which is almost always less than the theoretical maximum.
How is it calculated?
Actual yield = theoretical yield × (percent yield ÷ 100). For example, 80% of a 5 g theoretical yield is 4 g.
What is the difference from theoretical yield?
Theoretical yield is the maximum predicted by stoichiometry assuming perfect conversion. Actual yield accounts for real-world losses, so it is lower.
Why is yield never 100%?
Side reactions, reversible equilibria, incomplete reactions, and losses during filtering, transfer, and purification all reduce the recovered product.
What does the shortfall tell me?
The shortfall is the difference between theoretical and actual yield — the mass of product you did not obtain. Tracking it helps you improve a procedure.