Lambda Calculator (Combustion)

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Lambda Calculator: The Automotive and Industrial Mixture Standard

Lambda is the most widely used convention in automotive and industrial combustion control for describing mixture richness, forming the basis of lambda sensor feedback control in modern engines and burners.

The Formula

Lambda = Actual AFR / Stoichiometric AFR

Worked Example

A mixture has an actual AFR of 16:1 against a stoichiometric AFR of 14.7:1.

Lambda = 16 / 14.7 = 1.09 (a lean mixture)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the actual air-fuel ratio the system is running.
  2. Enter the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio for the fuel in use.
  3. Click Calculate to get the lambda value and mixture classification.

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Cross-check against the Equivalence Ratio Calculator, which uses the inverse convention.