Rule of thumb · Materials and ElementsNº 102 / 238

The numbers in a balanced equation are ratios of moles, not of grams

What do the numbers in a balanced equation mean?

The coefficients of a balanced equation are ratios of moles, not masses: in N₂ + 3 H₂ → 2 NH₃, 28.0 g of nitrogen needs 6.05 g of hydrogen, not 84 g, and makes 34.0 g of ammonia.

Why it works

A reaction rearranges atoms, so the equation counts molecules; the mass of a mole of each is its molar mass. 1 mol of nitrogen is 28.014 g and 3 mol of hydrogen is 3 × 2.016 = 6.048 g, together 34.062 g, which is the mass of the 2 mol of ammonia they make. Convert grams to moles, use the coefficients, convert back.

When it fails

It assumes the reaction goes to completion as written. Ammonia synthesis in practice stops at an equilibrium mixture, and a real reaction loses some in side reactions; that gap is the percentage yield. The equation says what can be made, not what is.

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

Open Reacting Masses & Yield →

More in Materials and Elements

← PreviousDiluting keeps the moles: c1 V1 equals c2 V2, and the acid goes into the water Next →The limiting reagent has the smallest moles divided by its coefficient, not the smallest mass

Browse the full Rulebook →

Rules of thumb are approximations, offered to get you to the right order of magnitude fast. Check anything load-bearing against its source or the exact tool. Privacy · Terms

© 2026 Rules of Thumb · Runs entirely in your browser