The Emulsion Calculator helps you create well-balanced emulsions by calculating volume distribution and ratio between oil, water, and emulsifier phases. Whether you’re formulating cosmetics, food products, or pharmaceuticals, this tool lets you plan and measure your emulsion structure before mixing. It supports accurate blending and stable product development.
This calculator also helps you decide whether your formulation results in an oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion, depending on the oil-to-water ratio. If you’re formulating based on HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance), the calculator assists with HLB blending as well.
Formula of Emulsion Calculator
1. Emulsion Volume
Emulsion Volume = Volume of Oil + Volume of Water + Volume of Emulsifier
2. Oil Phase Percentage
Oil Phase (%) = (Volume of Oil / Total Emulsion Volume) × 100
3. Water Phase Percentage
Water Phase (%) = (Volume of Water / Total Emulsion Volume) × 100
4. Emulsifier Percentage
Emulsifier (%) = (Volume of Emulsifier / Total Emulsion Volume) × 100
5. Oil-to-Water Ratio (O/W)
O/W Ratio = Volume of Oil / Volume of Water
This ratio helps classify the emulsion. If O/W < 1, the emulsion is likely oil-in-water. If O/W > 1, it may be water-in-oil.
6. HLB System (For Emulsifier Blending)
Required HLB = Σ (Percentage of Each Oil × Required HLB of Each Oil) / 100
Use this value to select or blend emulsifiers that match your oil phase requirements.
General Reference Table
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Emulsion | A stable mixture of oil and water using an emulsifier |
| O/W Emulsion | Oil-in-water emulsion; oil droplets in water |
| W/O Emulsion | Water-in-oil emulsion; water droplets in oil |
| HLB Value | Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance; used to select emulsifiers |
| Emulsifier | An agent that stabilizes oil and water mixtures |
| Oil Phase | The portion of oil relative to the whole emulsion |
| Water Phase | The portion of water relative to the whole emulsion |
Example of Emulsion Calculator
Let’s say you want to make a 100 mL emulsion with:
- 25 mL oil
- 70 mL water
- 5 mL emulsifier
Now calculate:
Total Volume = 25 + 70 + 5 = 100 mL
Oil Phase % = (25 / 100) × 100 = 25%
Water Phase % = (70 / 100) × 100 = 70%
Emulsifier % = (5 / 100) × 100 = 5%
Oil-to-Water Ratio = 25 / 70 = 0.36
This result shows an oil-in-water emulsion since the O/W ratio is less than 1.
Most Common FAQs
Usually, emulsifiers range from 3% to 10% depending on the formulation type.
You should test the emulsion for phase separation over time or use lab stability tests.
The ratio helps decide the type of emulsion and influences how it behaves or feels.