Mass Defect Calculator

Calculate the difference between separated nucleon masses and nuclear mass

Number of Protons (Z):

Number of Neutrons (N):

Measured Atomic Mass:

Examples:

Understanding Mass Defect

Mass Defect: Delta m = (Z*m_p + N*m_n) - M_nucleus

Binding Energy: E = Delta m * c² = Delta m * 931.494 MeV/u

Mass Excess: Delta = (M - A) * 931.494 MeV

The mass defect represents the mass converted to binding energy that holds the nucleus together. This is a direct demonstration of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence.

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Editorial Note

MyCalcBuddy Editorial Team

This page is maintained as an educational calculator reference.

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Formula Source: University Physics

by Young & Freedman

ðŸ”„Last reviewed: May 2026

âœ“Formula checks are based on standard references and internal QA review.