Chemistry 11 · Chemistry · Lesson 6.1
Mole ratios from balanced equations
- Level
- Grade 11
- Reading time
- 11 min reading
- Review
- Last reviewed 2026-09-03
- Standard
- Accuracy standard
- Errata
Abstract
Reading mole ratios from a balanced equation.
What is stoichiometry?
Short answer
Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between the amounts of reactants and products in a chemical reaction, read from the coefficients of a balanced equation. Those coefficients give the mole ratio, which lets you convert a known amount of one substance into the amount of any other substance in the reaction — the core calculation of quantitative chemistry.
Concept preview
What you will be able to do
- 01Interpret coefficients as molecule and mole ratios
- 02Use a mole ratio to relate two species in a reaction
- 03Apply a mole ratio in either direction
The coefficients of a balanced equation tell you the ratio in which the species react and form. For , the same equation is equally true written as or as . What matters is the ratio , which holds whether you count molecules, dozens or moles.
School Plan
Mole ratios from balanced equations
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Related topics
Frequently asked questions
- What is a mole ratio?
- The ratio of coefficients between two substances in a balanced equation, used to convert moles of one into moles of another.
- What is a limiting reactant?
- The reactant that runs out first and therefore limits how much product can form.