Best Chemistry Workbook Under $20 (2026): 4 Picks Compared

Finding the best chemistry workbook under 20 gets easier when you know the reader: drill on balancing equations calls for a different book than quick reference. We compared listings by contents, edition and practice, so you can match the book to the student.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Balancing Equations by McMullen	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	100 Series Chemistry by Dellosa	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Chemistry Made Easy	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Chemistry QuickStudy Guide by Jackson	9.2/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Balancing Equations by McMullen

Chris McMullen·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A practice workbook for balancing chemical equations, with solved examples, a pre-balancing chapter and answers at the back, for a student who wants drill on that skill.

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Pros

• Over 200 chemical equations to balance, with exercises that grow more challenging
• 10 examples solved step by step with explanations, plus a pre-balancing chapter
• Answers to every problem are tabulated at the back of the book

Cons

• Covers balancing equations only, so it suits that skill, not the full subject
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Published January 12, 2016, so check the edition before buying for a current course

2

100 Series Chemistry by Dellosa

Carson Dellosa Education·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A grades 9 to 12 workbook with an answer key and extension activities, suited to a homeschool parent or teacher adding structured chemistry practice.

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Pros

• The listing gives grade level 9 to 12 and a reading age of 14 to 17 years.
• An answer key is included, plus extension activities and science puzzles, per the description.
• Correlated to current state standards, with lessons on metrics, matter, atomic structure, bonds and chemical equations.

Cons

• The description bullets say ages 14 to 18 while the spec table gives a reading age of 14 to 17 years, a small mismatch.
• At 128 pages it has the fewest pages of the workbooks here.
• Published March 19, 2015, the oldest listed edition in the set.

3

Chemistry Made Easy

NEDU·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 212-page illustrated chemistry study guide with over 300 illustrations.

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Pros

• Over 300 illustrations
• 212 pages focused on core chemistry
• Published April 21, 2021
• Clear grasp for school progression

Cons

• No grade level is stated
• No reading age is stated
• No answer key or questions stated

4

Chemistry QuickStudy Guide by Jackson

Mark Jackson PhD·9.2/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A six-page laminated reference guide that condenses core chemistry topics, terms and equations for a student who wants a quick refresher beside a textbook.

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Pros

• Six-page laminated guide covers the periodic table, stoichiometry, bonding and more
• Diagrams, graphs, tables and chemical problems in outline format
• Laminated pages suit repeated reference during a course

Cons

• A reference guide, not a workbook, so it gives no practice exercises
• First edition published May 31, 2012, the oldest edition here
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing

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More picks to compare

• AQA GCSE Chemistry Workbook by A-Z MapsFor GCSE students aged 14 to 16, with targeted practice questions.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where given. None of the picks lists a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best chemistry workbook under 20

Match the book to the skill

For balancing-equation drill, the Balancing Equations workbook by McMullen gives over 200 equations with answers at the back. For quick reference, the Chemistry QuickStudy Guide by Jackson condenses core topics onto six laminated pages. For a lower level, browse the science workbook list.

Check the edition and the answer key

Edition matters for study books: the QuickStudy guide is a first edition published May 31, 2012, while the McMullen workbook was published January 12, 2016. The McMullen listing states answers to every problem are tabulated at the back, while the other listings state no answer key. See also the chemistry workbook list.

Before you buy

• Check the edition: the reference guide is a first edition from May 31, 2012.
• Confirm whether answers are included: the balancing workbook tabulates answers at the back.
• Check the reading level: none of these listings states a reading age or grade level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which chemistry workbook should a student start with for balancing equations?

The Balancing Equations workbook by McMullen, with 10 solved examples and answers at the back.

Does the balancing equations workbook include answers?

Yes, the listing states answers to every problem are tabulated at the back of the book.

Is the chemistry reference guide a workbook?

No, the listing describes a six-page laminated reference guide for quick reference, not practice.

Still deciding? Our top pickBalancing Equations by McMullen

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Related lists

See every Workbooks and Homeschool list.

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