Respiratory Quotient Calculator
🌿 Photosynthesis & respiration. Use the Respiratory quotient formula to find rq, co₂ given out, o₂ taken in: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Glucose gives RQ = 1, fats about 0.7, proteins about 0.9.
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 |
|---|---|
| RQ | no unit |
| CO₂ given out | cm³ |
| O₂ taken in | cm³ |
Worked example
Find the rq when CO₂ given out = 12 cm³, O₂ taken in = 12 cm³.
Using RQ = (CO2 given out)/(O2 taken in): RQ = 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Respiratory quotient?
RQ = (CO2 given out)/(O2 taken in). Glucose gives RQ = 1, fats about 0.7, proteins about 0.9.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
RQ, CO₂ given out in cm³, O₂ taken in in cm³.
How do you calculate rq?
Put the values into RQ = (CO2 given out)/(O2 taken in). For example, with CO₂ given out = 12 cm³, O₂ taken in = 12 cm³, rq = 1.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (rq, co₂ given out, o₂ taken in) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
