If you’re struggling with finding oxidation numbers. Our Oxidation Number Calculator makes finding oxidation states simple and fast. This free tool helps you solve chemistry problems and understand redox reactions with confidence.
Think of oxidation numbers as “electron bookkeeping” – they help us track where electrons go in chemical compounds.
Oxidation Number Calculator
How Our Calculator Works
Our calculator follows the standard chemistry rules to find oxidation numbers for any compound you enter.
What it does:
- Takes your compound formula (like H2O, NaCl, CaCl2)
- Applies the oxidation number rules automatically
- Shows the oxidation state for each element
- Gives you instant, accurate results
Step-by-Step Guide to Using this Calculator
Step 1: Enter Your Compound
Type the chemical formula in the text box. Examples:
- Water: H2O
- Salt: NaCl
- Carbon dioxide: CO2
- Sulfuric acid: H2SO4
Step 2: Check Your Formula
Make sure you use proper chemical notation:
- Capital letters for element symbols: Na (not na)
- Numbers as subscripts: H2O (not H20 with letter O)
- Correct spelling: CaCl2 (not CaCI2)
Step 3: Click Calculate
Hit “Calculate Oxidation Number” and get instant results!
Step 4: Review Results
The calculator shows the oxidation number for each element in your compound.
Benefits of Our Oxidation Number Calculator
Here are benefits of this calculator:
- Get answers in seconds, not minutes
- No more time-consuming manual calculations
- Perfect for homework with tight deadlines
- Finish chemistry assignments faster
The Seven Essential Rules (Made Simple!)
Rule 1: Free Elements = 0
Elements by themselves always have oxidation number 0.
- Examples: H₂, O₂, Na, Fe, C (diamond)
Rule 2: Simple Ions = Their Charge
Single-atom ions have oxidation numbers equal to their charge.
- Examples: Na⁺ = +1, Cl⁻ = -1, Ca²⁺ = +2
Rule 3: Group 1 Metals = +1
Alkali metals (Li, Na, K, etc.) are always +1 in compounds.
- Examples: NaCl, KBr, LiOH
Rule 4: Group 2 Metals = +2
Alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca, Sr, etc.) are always +2 in compounds.
- Examples: MgO, CaCl₂, BaSO₄
Rule 5: Fluorine = -1
Fluorine is always -1 in compounds (most electronegative element).
- Examples: HF, NaF, CaF₂
Rule 6: Oxygen = -2 (Usually)
Oxygen is usually -2, except in peroxides where it’s -1.
- Examples: H₂O (-2), CO₂ (-2), H₂O₂ (-1 in peroxide)
Rule 7: Hydrogen = +1 (Usually)
Hydrogen is usually +1, except with metals where it’s -1.
- Examples: HCl (+1), H₂O (+1), NaH (-1 with metal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t oxidation numbers always equal real charges?
They’re a bookkeeping tool, not always the actual electron distribution in molecules.
Can oxidation numbers be fractions?
Usually no, but occasionally in complex compounds with mixed oxidation states.
What if my compound has transition metals?
Use the known oxidation numbers of the other elements to calculate the transition metal’s oxidation state.