Science, Tech, Math Science Chemical Equation Definition Share Flipboard Email Print Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry in Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated March 06, 2017 Definition: A chemical equation is a shorthand written description of what happens in a chemical reaction. It includes the reactants, products, direction(s) of the reaction, and may also include charge and states of matter. citecite this article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Chemical Equation Definition." ThoughtCo, Mar. 8, 2014, thoughtco.com/definition-of-chemical-equation-604904. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2014, March 8). Chemical Equation Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-chemical-equation-604904 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Chemical Equation Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-chemical-equation-604904 (accessed April 21, 2018). copy citation Continue Reading