Commonly serves as a pH buffer in laboratory settings nutrient source in cell culture media and ingredient in fertilizers (e.g. NPK blends) for providing phosphorus and potassium to plants. It is also used in food additives as a sequestrant in baking powders and in pharmaceuticals for buffering solutions.

Acts as an acidic salt to maintain stable pH in buffers (often paired with dibasic potassium phosphate) supports plant growth by supplying essential nutrients and reacts in water to form phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide for chemical adjustments.

It appears as colorless crystals or a white granular powder with a tetragonal structure density of 2.34 gcm and molecular weight of 136.09 gmol. The compound melts at 252.6C is highly soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol and exhibits deliquescent properties.