Actual yield calculator explained
Actual yield measures how many grams you truly isolate after accounting for side reactions and purification losses. This calculator links {theoretical_yield}, {percent_yield}, and the resulting {actual_yield} so you can estimate what to expect from a batch or back-calculate efficiency once the product is on the balance.
Use it when comparing synthetic routes, sizing reactors, or communicating expectations to production partners who need real-world rather than theoretical masses.
How the conversion works
Percent yield expresses the fraction of theoretical mass that becomes isolated product:
Solve for any variable by rearranging the same expression. Because the relationship is linear, doubling the theoretical yield doubles the actual yield at constant .
Units and conversions
| Quantity | Symbol | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual yield | g, kg | Mass recovered after workup. | |
| Theoretical yield | g, kg | Derived from limiting reagent stoichiometry. | |
| Percent yield | % | Enter as a percent; the calculator converts to a decimal automatically. |
Keep both masses in the same unit so the percent calculation remains valid.
Worked examples
- Planning a gram-scale synthesis
Limiting reagent predicts of product. Past runs average yield.
Expect about (102.5 g) when planning resources.
- Scaling to pilot scale
A process engineer wants at least of isolated product. Historical data show yield. Solve for required theoretical yield:
Invert the equation and you find that a 2.94 kg theoretical capacity is needed, which feeds right back into stoichiometric calculations for reagents.
Tips and pitfalls
- Use dry, purity-corrected masses when entering actual yield to avoid inflating results with solvent or water.
- When percent yield changes with scale, record both the number and a short note describing conditions so future users know whether it applies.
- Cross-check theoretical yields for multi-step sequences by tracking cumulative limiting reagents.
- Combine this tool with the percent yield calculator to generate complete QA summaries for each batch.