Hand Sanitizer Batch Calculator
WHO sanitizer ingredient volumes scaled to batch liters.
What it does
Local sanitizer production works when batches copy the tested recipe exactly. Alcohol percentage decides killing power, while peroxide and glycerol play supporting roles at tiny volumes. Scaling by feel risks weak or harsh product.
The tool above scales WHO Formulation 1 linearly. A 5 L batch needs 4166.5 ml of ethanol 96 percent with 208.5 ml peroxide and 72.5 ml glycerol, topped with water to 5000 ml. Final strengths land at 80 percent alcohol by volume.
Formulation 2 trades ethanol for isopropyl at 751.5 ml per liter with identical partners. Both finish with the same peroxide and glycerol targets, and water always fills to the mark rather than a fixed pour.
Production hygiene matters as much as volumes. Clean vessels, exact measures, sealed storage, and flammability care keep batches safe. When soap and water are near, they stay the first choice.
How to use
- Enter batch size in liters.
- Pick ethanol or isopropyl formula.
- Read alcohol volume first.
- Read peroxide plus glycerol.
- Top up with water to the mark.
- Rest, label, and store sealed.
Formula
- batch L
- Batch size in liters.
- 833.3
- 833.3 ml per liter ethanol 96 percent.
- 41.7
- 41.7 ml per liter peroxide 3 percent.
- 14.5
- 14.5 ml per liter glycerol 98 percent.
The WHO local production guide fixes Formulation 1 at 8333 ml ethanol 96 percent with 417 ml hydrogen peroxide 3 percent and 145 ml glycerol 98 percent per 10 liters, topped with water. Formulation 2 swaps 7515 ml isopropyl 99.8 percent with the same partners. Scaling stays linear and water always tops to the mark.
Worked example
Example: 5 L ethanol batch
Defaults: 5 L ethanol formula. These are also the default values, so the page opens on this answer.
- Batch: 5 L, ethanol formula.
- Alcohol: 833.3 x 5 = 4166.5 ml ethanol 96%.
- Peroxide: 41.7 x 5 = 208.5 ml H2O2 3%.
- Glycerol: 14.5 x 5 = 72.5 ml glycerol 98%.
- Water: top up to 5000 ml.
- Tool shows 4166.5 ml ethanol with 208.5 ml H2O2 + 72.5 ml glycerol and top up to 5000 ml.
Reference table
| Batch | Alcohol | Top to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 833.3 ml | 1000 ml |
| 2 L | 1666.6 ml | 2000 ml |
| 5 L | 4166.5 ml | 5000 ml |
| 10 L | 8333 ml | 10000 ml |
Limits
- WHO formulas only; no custom blends.
- Needs exact stock strengths listed.
- Ignores denaturants and perfume rules.
- Production safety training assumed.
Common mistakes
- Topping alcohol instead of water.
- Swapping stock strengths freely.
- Skipping the rest period.
- Storing open near flames.
- Using volume guesses.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
2 L ethanol batch?
1666.6 ml ethanol with 83.4 ml H2O2 + 29 ml glycerol, top to 2000 ml.
5 L isopropyl batch?
3757.5 ml isopropyl with 208.5 ml H2O2 + 72.5 ml glycerol, top to 5000 ml.
Questions
What is the 10 L recipe?
Scale the 10 L WHO volumes: 8333 ml ethanol, 417 ml peroxide, and 145 ml glycerol, topped to 10000 ml.
Final strengths?
80 percent v/v ethanol with 1.45 percent glycerol and 0.125 percent peroxide.
Isopropyl instead?
751.5 ml per liter of isopropyl 99.8 percent with the same peroxide and glycerol.
How strong must sanitizer be?
At least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water stay out of reach.
Can I adjust ratios?
No. Ratios, rest time, and denaturants follow the guide; home tweaks risk weak product.
Store how?
Sealed, cool, and away from flames, since high alcohol stock is flammable.