Chemical Equation Balancer for Combustion

Chemical Equation Balancer for Combustion: Balance CxHy Combustion Reactions

Every complete hydrocarbon combustion reaction follows the same pattern: fuel plus oxygen yields carbon dioxide and water. This calculator automatically balances that equation for any hydrocarbon fuel formula CxHy, finding the correct stoichiometric coefficients.

The Formula

CxHy + (x + y/4) O2 → x CO2 + (y/2) H2O

Worked Example

Methane, CH4 (x=1, y=4):

CH4 + (1 + 4/4) O2 → 1 CO2 + (4/2) H2O, giving CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the number of carbon atoms (x) in the fuel formula CxHy.
2. Enter the number of hydrogen atoms (y).
3. Click Calculate to get the fully balanced combustion equation.

Related Calculations

Feed the resulting coefficients into the Stoichiometric Combustion Calculator for a full air requirement calculation.