Initial Rate from a Graph Calculator
🔑 Enzymes & reaction rates. Use the Initial rate from a graph (gradient) formula to find rate, change in product (rise), change in time (run): pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Draw a tangent at the start of the curve and divide its rise by its run.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Rate | per s |
| Change in product (rise) | no unit |
| Change in time (run) | s |
Worked example
Find the rate when Change in product (rise) = 12, Change in time (run) = 30 s.
Using rate = (Δ y)/(Δ x): Rate = 0.4 per s.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Initial rate from a graph (gradient)?
rate = (Δ y)/(Δ x). Draw a tangent at the start of the curve and divide its rise by its run.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Rate in per s, Change in product (rise), Change in time (run) in s.
How do you calculate rate?
Put the values into rate = (Δ y)/(Δ x). For example, with Change in product (rise) = 12, Change in time (run) = 30 s, rate = 0.4 per s.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (rate, change in product (rise), change in time (run)) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
