Molecular Weight Calculator

Look up molecular weight and properties of common chemical compounds.

Molecular Weight

18.015 g/mol

Formula

H2O

Compound Details

NameWater
FormulaH2O
Molecular Weight18.015 g/mol
Moles in 100g5.5509

Use the Molecular Weight Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Molecular Weight Calculator allows you to quickly determine the molecular weight and access key properties for a vast array of common chemical compounds. Understanding molecular weight is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science for accurate stoichiometric calculations, reaction yield predictions, and even pharmaceutical drug development. For instance, the global market for molecular weight standards is projected to reach over $500 million by 2026, highlighting the continued importance of precise molecular weight determination.

This calculator operates by summing the atomic weights of all constituent atoms within a given chemical formula, relying on the latest IUPAC-recommended standard atomic weights. For compounds with multiple isotopes, the calculator uses the weighted average atomic mass based on natural isotopic abundance. This rigorous approach ensures high accuracy, typically within a precision of 0.001 amu for most common compounds.

When entering chemical formulas, ensure correct capitalization (e.g., 'H2O' not 'h2o') and proper subscript notation for atom counts. A common mistake is forgetting parentheses for polyatomic ions when they appear multiple times, which can lead to an incorrect atom count. Always double-check your input formula against a reliable source if you are unsure.

Example: Calculating the Molecular Weight of Glucose

  1. 1 Input the chemical formula for glucose: C6H12O6.
  2. 2 The calculator identifies Carbon (C) with an atomic weight of approximately 12.011 amu, Hydrogen (H) with 1.008 amu, and Oxygen (O) with 15.999 amu. It then calculates (6 * 12.011) + (12 * 1.008) + (6 * 15.999).
  3. 3 The molecular weight of glucose (C6H12O6) is approximately 180.156 amu.
  4. 4 This molecular weight is essential for preparing solutions of a specific molarity, such as in biochemical experiments or for understanding its role in metabolic pathways. For example, a 1 M solution of glucose would require 180.156 grams per liter.

Source: Khan Academy · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is molecular weight and how is it calculated?
Molecular weight (molecular mass) is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. For water (H2O), it is 2(1.008) + 15.999 = 18.015 g/mol. Atomic weights come from the periodic table.
What is the difference between molecular weight and molar mass? (detailed)
They are numerically identical but have different units. Molecular weight is measured in atomic mass units (amu or Daltons) for a single molecule, while molar mass is measured in grams per mole (g/mol) for Avogadro's number of molecules.
Why does molecular weight matter in chemistry?
Molecular weight is essential for converting between moles and grams, calculating concentrations of solutions, determining stoichiometric ratios in reactions, and understanding physical properties like boiling point and vapor pressure.