AbstractAn efficient algorithm is presented for the self‐consistent numerical solution of the single‐band effective mass equation. This algorithm has a different form depending on whether the effective mass is modelled as continuous or piecewise continuous. Coupled with a Poisson solver, an established algorithm is applied for the attainment of self‐consistency. The rate of convergence to a self‐consistent solution is investigated, and the solvers are applied to three different structures to demonstrate its versatility and robustness. The first of these is a nominally undoped quantum well AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure, the second a doubly δ‐doped GaAs homostructure and lastly a quasi‐square well modulation‐doped field effect transistor. The algorithm is of sufficient efficiency so as to allow the software to run reasonably quickly on a modern