Explore the pH Scale Simulator
Test everyday liquids and see pH, hydrogen and hydroxide ions, and acid or base. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
See it in action
The pH Scale Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the pH Scale Simulator?
Test everyday liquids and see pH, hydrogen and hydroxide ions, and acid or base. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
pH matters in swimming pools, soil for farming, blood chemistry, food safety and water treatment. Everyday products are labelled by pH.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
pH = −log₁₀[H⁺]. Each step down the scale is ten times more acidic.
At 25 °C, pH + pOH = 14 and [H⁺] × [OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴.
pH 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic and above 7 is basic.
Compare lemon juice and bleach.
Slide the pH to 7 and see the ions balance.
Find a liquid with pH between 8 and 9.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry learners
Chemistry students from middle school to university, teachers who need a virtual demonstration, and anyone without access to a lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the pH Scale Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Slide the pH to 7 and see the ions balance. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What does pH actually measure?
The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, on a logarithmic scale. Lower pH means more hydrogen ions and a stronger acid.
Why is a pH change of 1 such a big deal?
Because the scale is logarithmic. pH 3 has ten times more hydrogen ions than pH 4 and a hundred times more than pH 5.
Is the pH Scale Simulator free to use?
Yes. The pH Scale Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the pH Scale Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The pH Scale Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 9 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the pH Scale Simulator?
1. In the pH Scale Simulator, use the controls to change Liquid, Or set the pH yourself, Volume of liquid, Universal indicator colour, Show ions, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the pH Scale Simulator, pick an option such as Water, Battery acid, Stomach acid, Lemon juice to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the pH Scale Simulator, press "+ 50 mL water", "Undo dilution", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Compare lemon juice and bleach. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the pH Scale Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: pH = −log₁₀[H⁺]. Each step down the scale is ten times more acidic.
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Try the pH Scale Simulator now
Test everyday liquids and see pH, hydrogen and hydroxide ions, and acid or base. Free to use.
Try it free