How to Calculate Crystallite Size from XRD Data | Scherrer Equation | Origin Pro & Excel
Learn how to calculate crystallite size from XRD data using the Scherrer equation in this step-by-step tutorial. This video walks you through the complete workflow used in real research—from extracting FWHM in Origin Pro to automating crystallite size calculations in Excel.
This tutorial is part of InSciLabTech’s “For Researchers by Researchers” initiative, where active scientists share practical, publication-ready methods.
🔬 In this tutorial, you will learn
• The theory and assumptions behind the Scherrer equation
• Meaning of K, λ, β (FWHM), and θ (Bragg angle)
• How to import and plot XRD data in Origin Pro
• Identifying and zooming into the main diffraction peak
• Performing Gaussian peak fitting to accurately extract FWHM
• Converting units correctly (degrees → radians, Å → nm)
• Setting up an Excel sheet to calculate crystallite size
• Calculating average crystallite size from multiple peaks
📐 Scherrer Equation: D= Kλ/(βcosθ)
Where:
• D = Crystallite size
• K = Shape factor (typically 0.94)
• λ = X-ray wavelength (e.g., Cu Kα = 0.15406 nm)
• β = FWHM in radians
• θ = Bragg angle
⏱ Video Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Initiative
00:16 From XRD Pattern to Crystallite Size
00:37 Scherrer Equation Explained
01:29 Importing XRD Data in Origin Pro
02:06 Selecting & Zooming into the Main Peak
02:16 Gaussian Fit to Determine FWHM
02:47 Extracting FWHM & 2θ
02:58 Setting up the Excel Calculation
03:40 Applying the Scherrer Formula
03:54 Averaging Crystallite Size
04:11 Summary & Community
💻 Software Used
• Origin Pro
• Microsoft Excel
⚙️ Key Techniques
XRD Analysis • FWHM Measurement • Gaussian Peak Fitting • Nanomaterials Characterization
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Tutorial by: Rewan Elrefi, Materials Science Researcher
Initiative by: InSciLabTech
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