IB Diploma Programme 2026

⚗️ IBDP Chemistry Formula Sheet

Mole ratios, energy cycles, reaction rates, equilibrium, acids, electrochemistry, and HL Gibbs/Arrhenius equations in one place.

Stoichiometry Kinetics HL Thermodynamics

Our formula sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.

Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.

Balance Equations & Concepts

IB Chemistry rewards clear variable labelling and consistent units. This sheet is split into SL cores plus HL-only thermodynamic and rate expressions.

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Step-by-step stoichiometry

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Energy cycle reminders

Electrochemistry overview

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HL Gibbs & Arrhenius

Amount of substance & energetics

Moles, gas law, and enthalpy cycles.

Amount of substance

n = m / M_r

Ideal gas

p Pa, V m³, n mol, R = 8.31 J/(mol·K), T K.

p V = n R T

Hess’s law

ΔH_route = Σ ΔH_steps

Standard enthalpy of formation cycle

Elements in standard states.

ΔH_f from cycle sums (Born–Haber etc.)

Bond enthalpy estimate

ΔH ≈ Σ D(bonds broken) − Σ D(bonds formed)

Calorimetry

q = m c ΔT

Topic Focus

Signs & states

  • Always include state symbols in thermodynamic equations where required.
  • Lattice enthalpy definitions must match ionic gas species.

Kinetics

Rates, orders, and Arrhenius.

Rate

rate = − d[A]/dt (etc.)

Rate constant & order

Example first order in A.

rate = k [A]^m [B]^n

Half-life (first order)

t½ = ln 2 / k

Arrhenius

A pre-exponential, E_a activation energy.

k = A e^(−E_a / (R T))

Topic Focus

Experiments

  • Initial rates method avoids product interference.
  • Plot ln k vs 1/T for E_a from gradient.

Equilibria

Kc, Kp, and acid–base.

Kc

K_c = [products]^stoich / [reactants]^stoich (balanced equation)

Kp (partial pressures)

Gases only; powers from stoichiometry.

K_p = Π (p_products)^ν / Π (p_reactants)^ν

K_w

Water autoionisation.

K_w = [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10^(−14) at 25 °C

pH

pH = −log₁₀[H⁺]

Henderson–Hasselbalch (buffer)

pH = pK_a + log₁₀([A⁻]/[HA])

Nernst (electrochemical)

298 K form.

E = E° − (R T / n F) ln Q

Topic Focus

Units

  • Kp may require pressure units consistent with data (Pa or atm as defined).
  • Partial pressure: mole fraction × total pressure.

Electrochemistry

Cells and electrolysis.

Charge

Q = I t

Faraday

Q = n F (n moles of electrons)

Standard cell potential

Reduction potentials.

E°_cell = E°_cathode − E°_anode

ΔG & E

ΔG = − n F E

Topic Focus

Electrolysis

  • Discharge order depends on electrode potentials and concentration.
  • Use n correctly when scaling mass deposited: m = Q M / (n F).

Organic & analysis (tools)

Yields, spectroscopy scale, and basic ratios.

Percentage yield

% yield = (actual / theoretical) × 100%

Atom economy

AE = (M_r desired / Σ M_r reactants) × 100%

Retention time (chromatography)

Qualitative comparison.

Higher affinity for stationary phase → longer t_R typically.

Topic Focus

Mechanisms

  • Curly arrows show electron pair movement; identify nucleophile/electrophile roles.
  • Stereochemistry: E/Z, R/S where chiral centres change.

How to Use This Formula Sheet

Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.

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Annotate Units

Always note mol dm⁻³ vs mol m⁻³ when switching between solution and gas calculations.

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Log Rules Practice

HL kinetics relies on straight-line Arrhenius plots; practice rearranging ln k = ln A − E_a/(RT).

Formula sheet FAQ

Quick answers about this free PDF, how to use it for exam revision, and how it relates to your official syllabus.

Is the IBDP Chemistry Formula Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?

Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.

What Chemistry topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?

This page groups key Chemistry formulas in one place for revision. Stoichiometry, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and HL thermodynamics formulas aligned to the 2026 IB Chemistry guide. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.

Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?

No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.

Who is this formula sheet for (Upper Secondary)?

It is written for students preparing for assessments at Upper Secondary in Chemistry, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.

How should I revise with this formula sheet?

Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.

Where can I get more help with Chemistry revision?

Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.

Get Help with IB Chemistry

We drill stoichiometry speed, Hess cycles, equilibrium reasoning, and HL thermodynamics so you gain both accuracy and explanation marks.

Formulas tie directly to the IB Chemistry data booklet; HL-only relationships are grouped for quick Paper 2/3 reference.

Use Kelvin for thermodynamic equations and remember sign conventions for exothermic (negative ΔH) vs endothermic processes.