Chemistry / CALCULATOR

Radioactive Decay by Half-Life

Radioactive Decay by Half-Life with defined units, a worked example and input validation.

Runs on your deviceUpdates as you typeFormula & example ↓
01

Your inputs

Adjust the values to explore a different result.

Enter initial amount.
time units
Enter elapsed time in time units.
same time units
Enter half-life in same time units.

Formula

remaining=initial ×2^(−elapsed/half-life).
  • Use the units shown beside each field.
  • Results update automatically whenever you change an input.
  • Displayed values use up to four decimal places, or scientific notation for very small or large numbers. Calculations use standard floating-point arithmetic; exact integer and fraction tools identify their own precision rules.
  • Single isolated exponential-decay species; daughter production and exposure/dose are not modeled.

Example Calculation

Example inputs
  • Initial amount: 100
  • Elapsed time: 20 time units
  • Half-life: 10 same time units

Initial amount = 100; Elapsed time = 20; Half-life = 10. Primary result: 25.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use this calculator?

Enter initial amount, elapsed time, half-life. The result updates automatically. Use Reset to restore the example values.

What method does it use?

remaining=initial ×2^(−elapsed/half-life).. Single isolated exponential-decay species; daughter production and exposure/dose are not modeled.

Why might a rounded result differ?

The calculation keeps full numeric precision internally, then rounds the displayed result. Rounding intermediate steps by hand can produce a slightly different answer.

Are my inputs saved online?

No. This calculator processes your inputs in your browser. A recently used list stores only calculator names on this device, not your entered values.

Check the assumptions and units before using this result. Read about calculation methods.