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AAT Bioquest

How do I calculate buffer capacity?

Posted December 22, 2023


Answer

There are several steps to follow to calculate buffer capacity. 

  1. Find the initial pH and final pH using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
  2. Subtract the final pH from the initial pH
  3. Divide the number of moles of a base or acid added to the buffer solution by the change in pH. This step results in the buffer capacity 

In equation terms, it looks like the following: 

Buffer capacity = # mol/L (of an acid/base)  / final pH - initial pH

Additional resources

Dynamic Buffer Capacity in Acid–Base Systems

Buffers and Lab Consumables

ReadiUse™ mammalian cell lysis buffer *5X*