Convert moles to ions: find the number of ions from moles of a compound such as NaCl or CaCl₂, convert ions back to moles, or count atoms and molecules.

Simple stoichiometric dissociation model; presets do not predict solubility or chemical equilibrium.

Dissociation assumption
100% assumes complete dissociation; specify a lower fraction only when justified.

Moles To Ions Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the number of ions from moles of ions (i.e., moles of the ionic entities being counted).

I = M × A

Variables:

  • I is the number of ions (count)
  • M is the number of moles of ions (mol)
  • A is Avogadro’s constant, NA = 6.02214076 × 1023 mol−1

To calculate the number of ions, multiply the number of moles of ions by Avogadro’s constant. If you instead start with moles of an ionic compound, you must first convert to moles of ions (e.g., for complete dissociation, 1 mol NaCl → 2 mol ions; 1 mol CaCl2 → 3 mol ions).

Moles to Ions Conversion Table (Avogadro’s constant NA = 6.02214076 × 10²³ mol⁻¹)
Moles (mol) Ions (count)
1e-96.022e14
1e-86.022e15
1e-76.022e16
1e-66.022e17
1e-56.022e18
1e-46.022e19
1e-36.022e20
0.0053.011e21
0.016.022e21
0.021.204e22
0.053.011e22
0.16.022e22
0.21.204e23
0.251.506e23
0.53.011e23
0.754.517e23
16.022e23
21.204e24
53.011e24
106.022e24
*Uses Avogadro’s constant NA = 6.02214076 × 10²³ mol⁻¹ (values rounded). Formula: ions = moles × NA.

What is Moles To Ions?

Moles to ions conversion is a way to convert an amount measured in moles to a particle count when the particles being counted are ions. It uses Avogadro’s constant, which relates moles to the number of elementary entities: 1 mol of entities corresponds to 6.02214076 × 1023 entities. If your starting value is moles of an ionic compound (like NaCl), you must account for how many ions are produced per formula unit and whether dissociation is complete (e.g., 1 mol NaCl can produce up to 2 mol ions if fully dissociated).

How to Calculate Moles To Ions?

The following steps outline how to calculate the number of ions using the formula I = M * A.

  1. First, determine the number of moles of ions (M).
  2. Next, gather the value of Avogadro’s constant (A), NA = 6.02214076 × 1023 mol−1.
  3. Next, use the formula I = M * A to calculate the number of ions (I).
  4. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above (choose Moles → number of ions, atoms or molecules, since M is already moles of ions).

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

number of moles (M) = 2

Avogadro’s constant (A) = 6.02214076 × 1023