Harvard Composition Calculator
Work out mass percent composition the Harvard chemistry way, step by step.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Percent composition
- 27.2921 %
- Mass contributed
- 12.011 g
- Remaining mass
- 31.998 g (72.7079%)
Working
- 1Mass of element = 12.011 × 1 = 12.011
- 2Percent = 12.011 ÷ 44.009 × 100 = 27.2921%
Quick answer
The Harvard composition calculator finds mass percent composition: divide the mass of the element in one mole of the compound by the compound's molar mass and multiply by 100.
% composition = (mass of element / molar mass of compound) × 100
How to use the Harvard Composition Calculator
- 1Enter the atomic or molar mass of the element and how many atoms appear in the formula.
- 2Enter the molar mass of the whole compound.
- 3Read the mass percent.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Mass of the element or solute12.011 g or g/mol
- Number of atoms of that element1
- Total mass of the compound44.009 g or g/mol
Results
- Percent composition27.2921 %
- Mass contributed12.011 g
- Remaining mass31.998 g (72.7079%)
- Mass of element = 12.011 × 1 = 12.011
- Percent = 12.011 ÷ 44.009 × 100 = 27.2921%
Frequently asked questions
How do you find percent composition?
Divide the total mass of the element in one mole of the compound by the compound's molar mass, then multiply by 100.
What is the percent carbon in CO₂?
Carbon contributes 12.011 g/mol out of 44.009 g/mol, so CO₂ is 27.29% carbon by mass and 72.71% oxygen.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.