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Beer-Lambert Law Calculator

Updated Sep 2026
Choose which quantity is unknown.
Enter absorbance when solving concentration, or mol/L concentration when solving absorbance.
Use the coefficient for the analyte, wavelength, solvent, and method.
Enter the cuvette or optical path length.

Guest calculations stay on this device. Signed-in results sync privately.

Your result

Beer-Lambert result

Enter your values, then calculate to see a verified result.

Inputs usedReview the information used for this result.
Full calculation and sourcesThe model treats the sample as a linear, single-analyte absorbance system.

Versioned calculationFormula v1.0.0

Measurement modelBeer-Lambert lawFormula v1.0.0
Method and test recordFormula v1.0.0
Recorded scope
A = εlc rearrangements, unit normalization, boundaries, labels, and limitation copy
Publisher
CalculatorGeek
Recorded review date
2026-09-27
Next source review
2027-09-27
Configured test cases
3 cases

Recorded method

Both solve directions, millimetre-to-centimetre equivalence, zero-path rejection, and displayed-unit semantics reviewed separately.

These records describe the published model and reference tests. A test-case count is not a certification of every possible input or an independent specialist review. Editorial policy

Known limitations

  • Uses A = εlc for a single analyte in a linear range.
  • Absorbance should be blank-corrected and measured at a defined wavelength; ε depends on wavelength, solvent, temperature, and chemical form.
  • The calculator does not fit a calibration curve, correct scattering, or validate an instrument method.

Method sources

Reference inputs and expected results

Up to 12 configured examples are shown. Expected values are in the model's output units; invalid cases are intended to be rejected.

CaseInputsExpected result
Concentration from absorbanceSolve for: concentration; Known absorbance or concentration: 0.43; Molar absorptivity ε: 15000 L/(mol·cm); Optical path length: 1 cmCalculated value: 2.86666667E-5 varies by target; Concentration c: 2.86666667E-5 mol/L (allowed numeric tolerance: 1.0E-9)
Absorbance from concentrationSolve for: absorbance; Known absorbance or concentration: 0.0001; Molar absorptivity ε: 15000 L/(mol·cm); Optical path length: 10 mmCalculated value: 1.5 varies by target; Absorbance A: 1.5 AU (allowed numeric tolerance: 1.0E-6)
Reject zero pathSolve for: concentration; Known absorbance or concentration: 0.4; Molar absorptivity ε: 1000 L/(mol·cm); Optical path length: 0 cmReject invalid input: validation error

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On this page

Beer-Lambert formula

A = ε × l × c, where A is dimensionless absorbance, ε is molar absorptivity, l is path length, and c is concentration. The calculator rearranges this relationship for the selected target.

Unit check

Use ε in L/(mol·cm), path length in cm, and concentration in mol/L. A millimetre path is normalized to centimetres before the multiplication. Keep the wavelength and solvent attached to ε when you reuse the result.

Calibration and limitations

A single-point calculation is not a calibration curve. For quantitative reporting, use standards across the working range, inspect residuals, and document blank correction, wavelength, cuvette, and sample matrix. Use the Molarity Calculator when concentration starts from a measured mass and final volume.

Frequently asked questions

Can absorbance be entered as percent transmittance?

No. Convert and blank-correct transmittance before using this A = εlc model.

Does this fit a calibration curve?

No. It calculates one linear relationship; standards and residual review are separate method work.

Sources

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