Last updated October 4, 2026 · Report an error
Scales the WHO-published local-production hand-rub formulations (WHO "Guide to Local Production: WHO-Recommended Handrub Formulations", 2010) to a target batch volume. Formulation I (ethanol-based, per 10,000 mL): 8333 mL of 96% ethanol, 417 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 145 mL of glycerol, topped up with water. Formulation II (isopropanol-based): 7515 mL of 99.8% isopropyl alcohol, with the same hydrogen peroxide and glycerol amounts. This is a DIY-chemistry ratio/recipe tool, not a medical or effectiveness claim — for general reference and educational purposes only. Follow WHO safety guidance (ventilation, no open flames, proper storage) and consult a pharmacist for production or compliance questions.
How it works
Choose a formulation and enter your target batch volume. The tool scales the official WHO 10-liter recipe proportionally and shows exact quantities of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, glycerol, and water.
- Enter formulation.
- Enter target batch volume (mL).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
1,000 mL, Formulation I
833.3 mL of 96% ethanol, 41.7 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 14.5 mL of glycerol, topped up to 1,000 mL with water.
Who should use it
- Local/DIY hand-rub production reference.
- Chemistry/ratio education.
Industry applications
- Public health emergency preparedness reference
- Chemistry education
Advantages
- Uses the official WHO reference recipe.
- Scales to any batch size.
Limitations
- Requires accurate starting-concentration ingredients to hit the target final concentration.
- Not a substitute for pharmaceutical-grade quality control.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a lower-concentration alcohol than specified (e.g. 70% instead of 96% ethanol) without recalculating the recipe, which changes the final alcohol concentration.
Best practices
- Mix in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or sparks, since these formulations are flammable.
Tips
- Always use the concentration of alcohol specified (96% ethanol or 99.8% isopropanol) — substituting other concentrations changes the final product's effective strength.