Van der Waals Radius Calculator

Explore van der Waals radii and calculate contact distances for non-bonded atomic interactions.

C

Carbon

170 pm

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C

Carbon

170 pm

Van der Waals Contact Distance

340 pm

(3.40 A)

C Properties

Volume: 20.58 A3

Surface Area: 36.32 A2

C Properties

Volume: 20.58 A3

Surface Area: 36.32 A2

About Van der Waals Radius

The van der Waals radius represents the closest distance of approach for non-bonded atoms. It's determined from intermolecular distances in crystals and is important for understanding steric effects, molecular packing, and weak non-covalent interactions.

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Editorial Note

MyCalcBuddy Editorial Team

This page is maintained as an educational calculator reference.

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Formula Source: Chemistry: The Central Science

by Brown, LeMay, Bursten

🔄Last reviewed: May 2026
✓Formula checks are based on standard references and internal QA review.