Write the unbalanced equation
Count the atoms of each element on both sides
Balance one element at a time by changing coefficients
Start with elements that appear in only one compound on each side
Leave hydrogen and oxygen for last
Use the smallest whole-number coefficients possible
Recount atoms after each change
Balance polyatomic ions as units if they stay unchanged on both sides
If fractions appear, multiply all coefficients by the denominator to clear them
Reduce coefficients to the lowest whole-number ratio
Check that all atoms are balanced on both sides
Check that the final equation is correct and simplified