Chemical calculation supplies monitor chemicals in liquids, solids and gases. They're used for quality control, research and development as well as process monitoring. And the industries that use them — semiconductor, pharmaceutical, environmental, defense and petrochemical — are just as diverse. And though the definition of chemical calculation encompasses a very broad range of tasks, most refer to chemical calculation supplies as tools that help determine what happens when chemicals come into contact with one another. Chemical calculation equipment can be very expensive but you can often find affordable — even free — software online that can help you with formulas depending on what kind of job you're up against.

For those new to any industry that relies on chemical calculation supplies, even the basics can be confusing so consider the following before investing in chemical calculation equipment:

1. Both new and refurbished chemical calculation equipment

2. Multi-purpose chemical calculation solutions

3. Chemical calculations software suppliers for specific fields

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the cost difference between new and refurbished chemical calculation solutions

If you own a new a small business without a ton of cash, refurbished chemical calculation solutions are the way to go. Not only can going the refurbished route save hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but it can also save you time since refurbished supplies are in stock and ready to ship. On the other hand, you can get highly specialized equipment from companies that develop, manufacture and even test equipment if you can afford to buy new.

I recommend: Go to FederalEquipment Company for more than 15,000 pieces of refurbished chemical processing equipment. O I Analytical offers top-notch new equipment for a multitude of industries.

Find a multi-functional chemical calculation solution

Use suppliers of chemical calculation equipment to find affordable chemical calculations solutions available for download that cover a range of chemical computations. Many companies will offer free software updates, so be sure you register your software to keep up with the latest scientific advances.

I recommend: Gaussian.com offers computational chemistry software for application in various industries, including the Gaussian 03 electronic structure program. Download CHEMIX chemical calculations software or another chemistry calculation tool from CHEMIX for professional or educational applications, and take advantage of the CHEMIX tutorials online.

Download specific chemical calculation software for your laboratory environment

Calculation for chemicals is almost always application-specific. Chemical calculation software manufactured by companies who specialize in chemical calculation means they develop software specifically for chemical structures. These companies realize that scientific knowledge changes every day and develop powerful tools to handle constantly changing information.

I recommend: Chemical calculation tool expert InfoChem offers software that can help you in many different chemical environments. Download a free, 30-day trial of ChemBuddy's chemical calculator.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Looking to solve basic math problems? Don't bother downloading software or buying chemical calculation tools. Find free chemistry calculation tools online to help you with quadratic equations, unit conversions and scientific notations.