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Chemistry

Nernst equation (cell potential) calculator

Cell potential under non-standard conditions from the standard potential and reaction quotient.

What this calculator does

Nernst equation (cell potential) works out cell potential under non-standard conditions from the standard potential and reaction quotient. Enter your own figures above and the answer updates as you type: nothing is fixed in the code, so the result reflects exactly the numbers you supply.

The formula this calculator evaluates is printed under the tool and explained below, so you can check the working by hand or reuse it in a spreadsheet.

The formula

FormulaE = E° − (RT/nF)·lnQ, R = 8.314462618 J/(mol·K), F = 96485.33212 C/mol (CODATA)

The inputs explained

FieldWhat to enter
Standard cell potential E° (V)A number, measured in V. Starts at 1.1.
Electrons transferred (n)A number. Starts at 2.
Reaction quotient QA number. Starts at 0.05.
Temperature (K)A number, measured in K. Starts at 298.15.

Worked examples

Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.

How the answer changes with standard cell potential e°

Every other input is held at the calculator’s starting values while standard cell potential e° varies. Select any row to load that scenario into the calculator.

How the answer changes with standard cell potential e°
Standard cell potential E° (V)Cell potential ERT/nFlnQ
0.550.5885 V0.01284629 V-2.996
0.830.8685 V0.01284629 V-2.996
1.11.138 V0.01284629 V-2.996
1.651.688 V0.01284629 V-2.996
2.22.238 V0.01284629 V-2.996
3.33.338 V0.01284629 V-2.996