Zonally averaged limb infrared monitor of the stratosphere data from the Nimbus 7 satellite are used together with an essentially algebraic photochemical equilibrium model to infer concentrations of Ox, HOx, and NOxspecies over most of the stratosphere for the period from March 26, 1979 to April 1, 1979. Since the model is algebraic, sensitivity coefficients (logarithmic partial derivatives of inferred concentrations with respect to model input) may also be calculated. These are combined with estimates of the uncertainty in the model input parameters (concentrations, rate constants, photolysis rates) to give uncertainty factors for the inferred concentrations. Concentrations of OH and HO2are calculated and found to compare reasonably well with previous measurements and two‐dimensional model calculations. Uncertainties are found, in general, to be largest in the lower stratosphere and to be greater for HO2than they are for OH. The method of inference of OH concentration is found to have a great effect on the uncertainty factors calculated for HO