What is osmolarity?
Osmolarity is a measure of the total concentration of dissolved particles in a solution, expressed as osmoles of solute per liter of solution. It accounts for the fact that some solutes dissociate into multiple particles when they dissolve, while others (like glucose) remain as a single particle.
How this calculator works
Osmolarity is calculated as Osmolarity = Molarity × i, where i is the number of particles a formula unit produces in solution (for example, i = 2 for NaCl, which splits into Na⁺ and Cl⁻, and i = 1 for a non-dissociating solute like glucose). The result is shown in both Osm/L and the more commonly used mOsm/L.
Note: This calculator assumes complete dissociation and ideal solution behavior, and is provided for general chemistry education and planning purposes rather than clinical use.