Can I solve for different variables?

Yes! This calculator supports reverse solving. You can solve for: HCl for blank (B), Molarity (M), HCl for sample (S), Saponification value (SV), Weight of oil / fat (W).

Saponification value

Solve saponification value relationships quickly using core chemistry formulas.

Formula shown4 inputs definedUpdated Nov 2025By Automated Chemistry GeneratorFree, no sign-up

Quick Summary

Use this when you need:

Characterize fats and oils for soap making or quality control
Detect adulteration by comparing SV to literature values
Convert titration data straight into saponification numbers

You’ll need:Molarity (M), HCl for sample (S), Saponification value (SV), Weight of oil / fat (W)

You’ll get:HCl for blank (B)

How this is calculated

Formula:

SV = ((B - S) × N × 56.1) / sample_mass

In plain language:

Saponification value is calculated from the difference between blank (B) and sample (S) KOH titers, multiplied by the KOH normality N and 56.1 mg/meq, divided by the mass of fat tested.

The formula is always visible so you can verify the math and explain your numbers to anyone who asks.

What these terms mean

HCl for blank (B)

HCl for blank (B) used in the calculation.

Molarity (M)

Molarity (M) used in the calculation.

HCl for sample (S)

HCl for sample (S) used in the calculation.

Saponification value (SV)

Saponification value (SV) used in the calculation.

Weight of oil / fat (W)

Weight of oil / fat (W) used in the calculation.

When to use this calculator

Characterize fats and oils for soap making or quality control
Detect adulteration by comparing SV to literature values
Convert titration data straight into saponification numbers

Last updated: November 19, 2025

Saponification value calculator explained

Saponification value (SV) expresses how many milligrams of KOH are required to saponify 1 gram of fat or oil. It is determined by refluxing a known mass with excess alcoholic KOH, titrating the unused base with HCl, and comparing the blank and sample titers. This calculator applies
$SV = \\frac{(B - S) N 56.1}{W}$
where $B$ and $S$ are the HCl volumes for blank and sample {blank}, {sample}, $N$ is the HCl molarity {molarity}, and $W$ is the sample mass {weight}. The result {saponificationvalue} is reported in mg KOH per gram.

Use it to monitor oil quality for soap making, detect adulteration in edible oils, or document QC data for cosmetic bases.

How the conversion works

Each milliliter of 1 N HCl corresponds to 56.1 mg of KOH (the molar mass of KOH). Subtracting the sample titer from the blank reveals how much KOH reacted with the fat. Dividing by the sample mass normalizes the result:

SV = \\frac{(B - S) \\times N \\times 56.1}{W}

Units and conversions

Parameter	Units	Notes
$B$ , $S$	mL HCl	Burette readings for blank and sample titrations.
$N$	mol/L	Normality of the HCl titrant (often 0.5 N).
$W$	g	Mass of oil or fat used.
SV	mg KOH per g	Output comparing to literature ranges.

Worked examples

Palm oil QC
$B = 25.40\\ \\text{mL}$ , $S = 10.20\\ \\text{mL}$ , $N = 0.500\\ \\text{N}$ , $W = 2.00\\ \\text{g}$ .

SV = \\frac{(25.40 - 10.20) \\times 0.500 \\times 56.1}{2.00} = 213

This matches typical palm oil SV values (196-205); the slightly higher value may indicate shorter-chain components.

Coconut oil lot
$B = 30.0\\ \\text{mL}$ , $S = 18.5\\ \\text{mL}$ , $N = 0.500\\ \\text{N}$ , $W = 1.50\\ \\text{g}$ .

SV = \\frac{(30.0 - 18.5) \\times 0.500 \\times 56.1}{1.50} = 215

Coconut oil usually has SV 248-265, so this value suggests the product may be adulterated with longer-chain fats.

Tips and pitfalls

Keep titrant standardization up to date; SV accuracy depends on $N$ .
Ensure the sample dissolves completely in alcoholic KOH before refluxing.
Always run blanks alongside samples; atmospheric CO $_2$ consumption changes $B$ over time.
Compare SV with iodine value or fatty acid profile to pinpoint adulterants.

References and further reading

Frequently Asked Questions

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Calculator info

Version:: v1.0.0
Last reviewed:: Nov 15, 2025
Sensitivity:: low
References:: 1

Last updated: November 19, 2025

Saponification value calculator explained

Use it to monitor oil quality for soap making, detect adulteration in edible oils, or document QC data for cosmetic bases.

How the conversion works

SV = \\frac{(B - S) \\times N \\times 56.1}{W}

Units and conversions

Parameter	Units	Notes
$B$ , $S$	mL HCl	Burette readings for blank and sample titrations.
$N$	mol/L	Normality of the HCl titrant (often 0.5 N).
$W$	g	Mass of oil or fat used.
SV	mg KOH per g	Output comparing to literature ranges.

Worked examples

Palm oil QC
$B = 25.40\\ \\text{mL}$ , $S = 10.20\\ \\text{mL}$ , $N = 0.500\\ \\text{N}$ , $W = 2.00\\ \\text{g}$ .

SV = \\frac{(25.40 - 10.20) \\times 0.500 \\times 56.1}{2.00} = 213

This matches typical palm oil SV values (196-205); the slightly higher value may indicate shorter-chain components.

Coconut oil lot
$B = 30.0\\ \\text{mL}$ , $S = 18.5\\ \\text{mL}$ , $N = 0.500\\ \\text{N}$ , $W = 1.50\\ \\text{g}$ .

SV = \\frac{(30.0 - 18.5) \\times 0.500 \\times 56.1}{1.50} = 215

Coconut oil usually has SV 248-265, so this value suggests the product may be adulterated with longer-chain fats.

Tips and pitfalls

Keep titrant standardization up to date; SV accuracy depends on $N$ .
Ensure the sample dissolves completely in alcoholic KOH before refluxing.
Always run blanks alongside samples; atmospheric CO $_2$ consumption changes $B$ over time.
Compare SV with iodine value or fatty acid profile to pinpoint adulterants.

Quick Summary

Calculator Tool

How this is calculated

What these terms mean

HCl for blank (B)

Molarity (M)

HCl for sample (S)

Saponification value (SV)

Weight of oil / fat (W)

When to use this calculator

Saponification value calculator explained

How the conversion works

Units and conversions

Worked examples

Tips and pitfalls

References and further reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Molarity

Neutralization

pKa

Beer-Lambert law

Mole

Normality

Was this calculator helpful?

Found an error?

Calculator info

Saponification value calculator explained

How the conversion works

Units and conversions

Worked examples

Tips and pitfalls

References and further reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Molarity

Neutralization

pKa

Beer-Lambert law

Mole

Normality

Was this calculator helpful?

Found an error?

Calculator info