Physical

How do you calculate osmolarity?

Total osmolarity of a multi-solute solution. The relationship used is mOsm = sum(mM x particles).

Worked example

Every number below is computed by the calculator, not typed in

What you are given

  • Solutes: [{"name":"NaCl","conc_mM":"150","particles":"2"},{"name":"Glucose","conc_mM":"5","particles":"1"}]

Formula: mOsm = sum(mM x particles)

The working

  1. Contribution of NaCl: 150 mM · 2 = 300 mOsm = 300 mOsm
  2. Contribution of Glucose: 5 mM · 1 = 5 mOsm = 5 mOsm
  3. Total osmolarity: mOsm = Σ (conc_mM · particles) = 305 mOsm

Total osmolarity is 305 mOsm/L.

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What each symbol means

  • mOsm: Total osmolarity (mOsm/L)
  • Cᵢ: Concentration of solute i (mM)
  • νᵢ: Osmotically active particles of solute i (van't Hoff factor)

A printable one-page version is on the formula sheet.

Do it with your own numbers.

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