Write the unbalanced equation
Count the atoms of each element on both sides
Start balancing elements that appear in the fewest compounds
Balance metals first, then nonmetals, and leave hydrogen and oxygen for last
Change only coefficients, not subscripts
Recount atoms after each change
Use the smallest whole-number coefficients possible
If a polyatomic ion stays unchanged on both sides, balance it as a unit
Reduce coefficients to the lowest ratio if needed
Check that every element has the same number of atoms on both sides