Cell Potential Calculator

Calculate standard cell potential from cathode and anode standard reduction potentials.

Calculator

Use standard reduction potentials: E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode. Do not multiply a tabulated potential by its balanced-equation coefficient.

E°cell1.1 V
Direction under standard conditionsSpontaneous as written

Formula and assumptions

E°cell = E°cathode − E°anode

The calculator subtracts the anode reduction potential from the cathode reduction potential. A positive standard cell potential is spontaneous as written under standard conditions.

Assumption: Both supplied values are standard reduction potentials under standard conditions.

Variables and units

  • E cell — standard cell potential (V)
  • E cathode — cathode standard reduction potential (V)
  • E anode — anode standard reduction potential (V)

Worked example

Cu²⁺/Cu at +0.34 V and Zn²⁺/Zn at −0.76 V gives E°cell = +1.10 V.

Important limits

It does not calculate non-standard potentials, cell current, resistance or battery capacity.

Reference and related tools

OpenStax: Galvanic cells. Return to Chemistry Calculators for the other tools in this group.