What does the Scherrer equation estimate?

It estimates coherent crystallite size from XRD peak broadening. It does not separate all broadening mechanisms by itself.

Should FWHM be in degrees or radians?

You can enter FWHM in degrees two-theta in this tool. The calculator converts it to radians for the equation.

Why include instrument broadening?

Instrument broadening can inflate measured FWHM. The tool can subtract it in quadrature when a valid instrument FWHM is provided.

ToolsConductScience tool

XRDFree in-browser calculator

Scherrer Crystallite Size Calculator.

Estimate crystallite size from XRD peak broadening with unit conversion and instrument-broadening correction. For materials research, education, and protocol documentation only. Not a certified inspection, compliance, asset-integrity, or final acceptance tool.

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Validated2026-05-24

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Load example Scherrer data to see the full workflow

Scherrer inputs

Shape factor K

Wavelength

Wavelength unitMeasured FWHM

deg

Instrument FWHM

deg

Two-theta

deg

Results

Crystallite size

44.3563 nm

Corrected beta

0.00338 rad

Size

443.563 A

Review notes

Scherrer size is an estimate. Strain, instrument correction, and peak-shape fitting can change the result.

Methods note

Uses D = K * lambda / (beta * cos(theta)) with beta in radians and optional quadrature correction for instrument broadening.

Scope and limitations

For materials research, education, and protocol documentation only. Not a certified inspection, compliance, asset-integrity, or final acceptance tool.

Results are deterministic calculations from the values entered here. Review units, assumptions, and measurement quality before using outputs in reports or protocols.

Method

Uses the tool-specific formulas and assumptions shown in the calculator output.

Validated

Last validated 2026-05-24. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

How to Cite

Scherrer Crystallite Size Calculator (1.2.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/scherrer-crystallite-size-calculator

For materials research, education, and protocol documentation only. Not a certified inspection, compliance, asset-integrity, or final acceptance tool.

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