Advanced Henderson-Hasselbalch Calculator
Complete Buffer Solution & pH Analysis Tool
📊 Henderson-Hasselbalch
The fundamental equation for calculating pH of buffer solutions: pH = pKa + log([A⁻]/[HA])
🔬 Buffer Capacity
Optimal buffering occurs when pH ≈ pKa. Effective buffer range is pKa ± 1 pH unit.
⚖️ Ratio Analysis
When [A⁻] = [HA], pH = pKa. The ratio determines pH shift from pKa value.
Select Calculation Mode:
Calculate pH from Concentrations
📚 Common Buffer Systems Reference
💡 Pro Tips for Buffer Preparation
Temperature Effects
pKa values change with temperature. Tris has a large temperature coefficient (-0.028 pH/°C), while HEPES is more stable (-0.014 pH/°C).
Ionic Strength
High salt concentrations affect buffer pH. Add salts after pH adjustment or recalibrate pH meter with the buffer.
Buffer Ratio
Keep [A⁻]/[HA] ratio between 0.1 and 10 (pH = pKa ± 1) for optimal buffering capacity.
Metal Chelation
Some buffers (phosphate, citrate) chelate metal ions. Use zwitterionic buffers (HEPES, MES) for metal-sensitive experiments.
Concentration Range
Typical buffer concentrations: 10-100 mM for most applications. Higher concentrations increase buffer capacity but may affect osmolarity.
pH Measurement
Always calibrate pH meter with standard buffers before use. Measure pH at the same temperature as your experiment.