Heisenberg Uncertainty Calculator
⚛ Atomic & Quantum. Use the Heisenberg uncertainty (minimum) formula to find position uncertainty δx, momentum uncertainty δp: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Solves the smallest possible uncertainty (the "=" case).
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 |
|---|---|
| Position uncertainty Δx | m |
| Momentum uncertainty Δp | kg·m/s |
Worked example
Find the position uncertainty δx when Momentum uncertainty Δp = 5.27 × 10⁻²⁵ kg·m/s.
Using Δ x Δ p ≥ h/4π: Position uncertainty Δx = 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Heisenberg uncertainty (minimum)?
Δ x Δ p ≥ h/4π. Solves the smallest possible uncertainty (the "=" case).
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Position uncertainty Δx in m, Momentum uncertainty Δp in kg·m/s.
How do you calculate position uncertainty δx?
Put the values into Δ x Δ p ≥ h/4π. For example, with Momentum uncertainty Δp = 5.27 × 10⁻²⁵ kg·m/s, position uncertainty δx = 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (position uncertainty δx, momentum uncertainty δp) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
