Molecular Weight Calculator · Practical guide
Molar Mass of Glucose (C6H12O6)
Six carbons, twelve hydrogens, and six oxygens add up to 180.156 g/mol.
At a glance
The Short Answer
The molar mass of glucose, C6H12O6, is 180.156 g/mol: 6 × 12.011 (carbon) + 12 × 1.008 (hydrogen) + 6 × 15.999 (oxygen) = 72.066 + 12.096 + 95.994. One mole of glucose therefore weighs about 180.16 grams.
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Results
| Element | Atomic Weight | Count | Total |
|---|
Element Breakdown
| Element | Atomic Weight | Count | Total (g/mol) | Percent of Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 12.011 | 6 | 72.066 | 40.0% |
| Hydrogen (H) | 1.008 | 12 | 12.096 | 6.7% |
| Oxygen (O) | 15.999 | 6 | 95.994 | 53.3% |
Related Sugars
Fructose and galactose share glucose's formula, C6H12O6, so they have the identical molar mass of 180.156 g/mol despite being different molecules. Sucrose (table sugar), C12H22O11, is larger: 12 × 12.011 + 22 × 1.008 + 11 × 15.999 = 342.297 g/mol.
Using the Value
The molar mass converts between mass and moles. To make a 1 M glucose solution you need 180.156 g per liter; for a 0.5 M solution in 250 mL, use 0.5 × 0.25 × 180.156 = 22.52 g. Conversely, a 50 g sample of glucose is 50 ÷ 180.156 = 0.2775 mol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the molar mass of glucose exactly 180 g/mol?
Textbooks often round to 180.16 or even 180 g/mol. Using standard atomic weights (C = 12.011, H = 1.008, O = 15.999), the precise value is 180.156 g/mol.
Do fructose and glucose have the same molar mass?
Yes. Both have the molecular formula C6H12O6, so both are 180.156 g/mol; they differ only in how the atoms are arranged.
What is the percent composition of glucose?
By mass, glucose is about 40.0% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen, and 53.3% oxygen, found by dividing each element's total contribution by 180.156.
How many moles are in 500 g of glucose?
500 ÷ 180.156 = 2.775 mol of glucose.