Best examples of chemistry lab report results section examples for students

Before talking about theory or formatting rules, it helps to see how real students might write this section. Below are several examples of chemistry lab report results section examples for common undergraduate experiments. The data are realistic, the wording is the kind of language instructors expect, and the structure mirrors what you’ll typically submit in general or organic chemistry.

Example of a titration results section (acid–base)

Imagine a general chemistry lab where you standardize a NaOH solution using potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP), then use that NaOH to determine the concentration of an unknown HCl solution.

Sample results narrative:

The standardized concentration of NaOH was determined from three trials of the KHP titration. The average NaOH concentration was 0.1023 M ± 0.0004 M (Table 1), with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.39%, indicating good precision. The calculated HCl concentration from three independent titrations was 0.0987 M ± 0.0011 M (RSD = 1.1%).

The volume of NaOH required to reach the phenolphthalein endpoint for the HCl samples ranged from 24.18 mL to 24.52 mL, with no systematic drift across trials. The percent difference between the label value for the HCl solution (0.100 M) and the experimental value (0.0987 M) was 1.3%, which falls within the expected error range for manual titration using a buret graduated to 0.05 mL.

Key features to copy from this example of a results section:

• Clear reporting of averages with uncertainty (± and RSD)
• Reference to a table, but the important numbers are in the text
• Brief comment on precision and comparison to an expected value

This kind of writing shows why examples of chemistry lab report results section examples are so helpful: you see not just the numbers, but how to talk about them.

Example of kinetics results: reaction rate and rate law

For a typical kinetics lab, you might study the rate of decomposition of crystal violet with NaOH using a spectrophotometer.

Sample results narrative:

The absorbance of crystal violet at 590 nm decreased over time, consistent with the fading of the purple color. A plot of ln(A) versus time produced a linear relationship with R² = 0.996, while a plot of 1/A versus time was distinctly non‑linear (R² = 0.873). These results support first‑order kinetics with respect to crystal violet.

From the slope of the ln(A) vs. time plot (−0.00487 s⁻¹), the rate constant k was determined to be (4.87 ± 0.09) × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ at 23.5 °C. Across three runs, k values ranged from 4.78 × 10⁻³ to 4.96 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ (RSD = 1.9%). The half‑life calculated from the average k was 142 s, in reasonable agreement with the literature range of 130–150 s for similar conditions.

This is one of the best examples of how to present kinetics data concisely: identify the correct order, state the evidence (R² values), report k with units and uncertainty, and mention how your value compares to literature data.

For more guidance on interpreting rate data and uncertainty, chemistry departments often point students to general statistics and measurement resources, such as the NIST guidelines on uncertainty in measurement (nist.gov) and undergraduate lab manuals from major universities.

Example of calorimetry results: determining ΔH

Coffee‑cup calorimetry labs show up everywhere, so any collection of examples of chemistry lab report results section examples has to include one.

Scenario: Determining the molar enthalpy of neutralization for HCl with NaOH.

Sample results narrative:

Mixing 50.0 mL of 1.00 M HCl with 50.0 mL of 1.00 M NaOH produced a maximum temperature increase from 22.4 °C to 28.7 °C, corresponding to ΔT = 6.3 °C (Table 2). Using a measured calorimeter constant of 42.3 J/°C, the total heat released was (5.57 ± 0.12) × 10³ J.

Based on the limiting reagent (0.0500 mol HCl), the molar enthalpy of neutralization was calculated as ΔH_neut = −55.7 ± 1.2 kJ/mol. This value is within 3.5% of the accepted value of −57.3 kJ/mol for strong acid–strong base neutralization at room temperature. The primary source of error is likely heat loss to the surroundings before the maximum temperature was recorded.

This example of a results section highlights how to connect raw measurements (volumes and temperatures) to a final thermodynamic value, with a short, data‑focused comment on error.

If you want to cross‑check typical enthalpy values or units, general chemistry references from universities like Harvard and MIT often provide tables and example calculations in their open course materials.

Spectroscopy: examples include UV–Vis and IR results

Spectroscopy labs are where a lot of students start to panic about graphs. Seeing concrete examples of chemistry lab report results section examples for spectra can make it far less intimidating.

Example of UV–Vis results (concentration by calibration curve)

Sample results narrative:

The calibration curve for FeSCN²⁺ at 447 nm was linear over the concentration range 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ M to 6.0 × 10⁻⁵ M, with the equation A = (1.94 × 10⁴ M⁻¹)·c + 0.003 and R² = 0.999 (Figure 1). The slope corresponds to an experimental molar absorptivity ε = (1.94 ± 0.03) × 10⁴ M⁻¹·cm⁻¹, consistent with published values.

The unknown sample had an average absorbance of 0.412 ± 0.006 across three measurements, yielding a concentration of (2.11 ± 0.05) × 10⁻⁵ M FeSCN²⁺. Replicate measurements showed a relative standard deviation of 1.5%, indicating good instrumental precision.

Example of IR results (functional group identification)

Sample results narrative:

The IR spectrum of the product showed a strong, sharp absorption at 1716 cm⁻¹, consistent with a saturated aliphatic C=O stretch, and a broad band at 2500–3300 cm⁻¹, characteristic of a carboxylic acid O–H stretch. The absence of a distinct O–H stretch near 3300–3500 cm⁻¹ and the loss of the reactant’s strong peak at 1685 cm⁻¹ support successful conversion of the aldehyde to a carboxylic acid.

Notice that in both of these spectroscopy examples, the results section focuses on key peaks, slopes, and statistics, not on re‑explaining theory. That’s the pattern you’ll see in most high‑quality examples of chemistry lab report results section examples used in 2024–2025 courses.

For deeper background on spectroscopy principles, many instructors recommend open resources like the University of Colorado’s spectroscopy tutorials or IR interpretation guides from major universities (for instance, UCLA’s IR tables).

Equilibrium and Le Châtelier: example of Kc determination

Equilibrium labs are another place where the results section matters more than flowery explanations. Here’s a realistic example of how to present a calculated equilibrium constant.

Sample results narrative:

The equilibrium constant Kc for the Fe³⁺ + SCN⁻ ⇌ FeSCN²⁺ system was determined spectrophotometrically. Using the calibration curve for FeSCN²⁺, the equilibrium concentration of complex ion in each mixture was calculated and used to back‑calculate the remaining [Fe³⁺] and [SCN⁻].

Across four mixtures with varying initial reactant concentrations, the calculated Kc values ranged from 92.4 to 104.7, with an average Kc = 98.6 ± 4.9 (RSD = 5.0%). The spread in Kc values suggests moderate random error, likely from small pipetting inaccuracies and deviations from Beer’s law at higher concentrations.

This example of a results section shows how to:

• Report a range of values and an average
• Comment on the spread (precision), not just the mean
• Suggest a realistic source of error without turning the results section into a full discussion

Organic chemistry: yield and purity results examples

Organic labs often emphasize percent yield and purity (melting point, TLC, GC, or NMR). Any set of the best examples of chemistry lab report results section examples should include at least one organic synthesis.

Scenario: Synthesis of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.

Sample results narrative:

The mass of crude aspirin obtained was 3.21 g, corresponding to a percent yield of 78.4% based on 0.0200 mol of salicylic acid. Recrystallization reduced the mass to 2.64 g, giving a recrystallized yield of 64.5%.

The melting point of the purified product was 133.5–135.0 °C, compared with the literature value of 135–136 °C. The narrow melting range and proximity to the literature value indicate relatively high purity. The IR spectrum showed a strong carbonyl stretch at 1750 cm⁻¹ (ester C=O) and the disappearance of the broad O–H stretch near 3200–3500 cm⁻¹ associated with the starting salicylic acid, further supporting successful acetylation.

This is a compact but data‑rich example of a results section: yields, melting point, and a couple of diagnostic IR peaks. No storytelling, just the numbers and what they imply.

How to structure your own results section (using these examples)

Looking across all these examples of chemistry lab report results section examples, a clear pattern emerges:

• Start with what you measured, not why
• Present organized data (tables, graphs) and then summarize key values in words
• Always include units, significant figures, and uncertainty where possible
• Compare your results to expected or literature values when they exist
• Save long explanations and theory for the discussion section

In other words, your results section is the place where you:

• Answer: “What did we actually observe or calculate?”
• Avoid: long paragraphs about mechanisms, background theory, or step‑by‑step procedures

Many universities publish grading rubrics that echo this structure. For instance, chemistry writing guides from institutions like Purdue OWL and major state universities emphasize clarity, quantitative detail, and separation of results from discussion.

2024–2025 expectations: data transparency and error reporting

In the last few years, instructors have been pushing students toward more transparent data reporting, mirroring trends in professional research:

• Replicates: In 2024–2025, more lab manuals explicitly ask for multiple trials and require you to show averages, standard deviations, and sometimes confidence intervals.
• Error and uncertainty: Instead of vague phrases like “human error,” you’re expected to quantify uncertainty where possible (for example, balance precision, buret graduations, or instrument limits).
• Digital tools: Many courses now encourage or require plotting and analysis in Excel, Google Sheets, or Python. Your results section should reflect that level of precision and clarity.

That’s why modern instructors love to give students examples of chemistry lab report results section examples that show:

• Correct use of significant figures
• Clear reporting of R², standard deviation, and percent error
• Honest acknowledgment of variability without over‑dramatizing it

If your course uses online pre‑labs or virtual simulations, you’ll often see built‑in example of results write‑ups that you can model. Just remember to adapt the wording and numbers to your own experiment.

Putting it all together: a mini “template” based on real examples

You don’t need a rigid numbered template, but you can borrow the flow you’ve seen in these real examples.

A typical paragraph in a strong results section might:

• Open with the main outcome (for example, “The concentration of the unknown HCl solution was 0.0987 M ± 0.0011 M.”)
• Support that statement with key data (range of volumes, number of trials, R² from a graph)
• Include a brief comparison to an expected or literature value when relevant

If you read back through the best examples of chemistry lab report results section examples above, you’ll notice they rarely start with “In this lab we…” or “The purpose of this experiment was…”. That belongs in the introduction, not the results. Instead, they lead with the data and keep the spotlight there.

When in doubt, ask yourself:

“If my instructor only skimmed this section, would they immediately see what I measured, what I calculated, and how reliable it looks?”

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

FAQ: Chemistry lab report results section

How long should the results section be in a typical chemistry lab report?
Long enough to present your tables, figures, and key numbers clearly, but not a page‑long essay. For a standard general chemistry lab, that often means one to three short paragraphs plus tables/graphs. Use the examples of chemistry lab report results section examples above as a guide: each experiment’s results can usually be summarized in a tight paragraph.

Do I explain errors in the results or discussion section?
Brief comments on precision and percent error belong in the results section, especially when you present averages and standard deviations. Deeper analysis of why the error occurred and what it means belongs in the discussion. For instance, stating “RSD = 5.0%, suggesting moderate random error” fits in results; explaining that poor mixing or heat loss likely caused that error fits in discussion.

Can I copy an example of a results section from a lab manual?
You can use examples as a model for structure and tone, but copying wording or numbers directly is usually considered plagiarism. Your instructor expects your own phrasing and your own data. Treat these examples of chemistry lab report results section examples like you would a sample essay in a writing class: learn from the style, then write your own.

What are some good examples of data to highlight in my results?
Highlight data that directly support your objective: final concentrations, rate constants, equilibrium constants, molar absorptivities, percent yields, melting points, R² values, and key wavelengths or wavenumbers. The examples include titration concentrations, ΔH values, rate constants, and spectroscopy peaks to show how to do this.

Should every results section include statistics like standard deviation or R²?
If you have replicate trials or a graph with a fitted line, then yes, you should usually include basic statistics like standard deviation or R². That’s standard practice in current (2024–2025) lab courses and aligns with how scientific results are reported in journals and official guidelines from organizations like NIST.

Use these examples of chemistry lab report results section examples as a reference point, not a script. Your goal is to make your data so clear that anyone reading your report could understand what happened in your experiment without ever stepping into the lab.