What the calculator does
It uses the charge on each ion to find the smallest whole-number ratio that gives a neutral compound.
Formula tool
Ionic Compound Calculator
Enter a positive ion and a negative ion. The calculator balances the charges and returns a neutral ionic formula.
Example: magnesium + oxygen gives MgO. Aluminum + chloride gives AlCl3. Iron(III) + sulfate gives Fe2(SO4)3.
Balanced ionic formula
MgO
- Positive ion
- Mg (+2)
- Negative ion
- O (-2)
1 Mg ion balance 1 O ion. The total charge is zero.
Example formulas
Magnesium and oxygen give MgO. Calcium and nitrate give Ca(NO3)2. Aluminum and chloride give AlCl3.
Transition metals
Use Roman numerals when needed, such as iron(III), copper(II), or tin(IV).