how to find an eliments atomic number if
group and period number in given
To find an element's atomic number when you know its group and period number, you
typically use the structure of the modern periodic table. The atomic number increases
from left to right across periods and from top to bottom down groups. Here’s how you can
estimate or calculate the atomic number:
General Steps
1. Identify the Type of Element
o Is it an s-block (Groups 1 & 2), p-block (Groups 13–18), d-block (transition
metals, Groups 3–12), or f-block (lanthanides/actinides)?
2. Use Formulae Based on Position
o Chemists have derived simple formulas for calculating the atomic number
based on period (P) and group (G) number for different blocks and regions in
the periodic table.
Key Formulas for Main-Block Elements
Below are tested shortcuts (formulas)—you use the relevant one depending on the group
and period:
Period 1
o Group 1 (Hydrogen): Atomic number = 1
o Group 18 (Helium): Atomic number = 2
Period 2 (Li to Ne):
o Group 1–2: Atomic number = G + P (G=group, P=period)
o Group 13–18: Atomic number = P + (Group Number - 10)
(so for Group 13: 2+3=5 (Boron), Group 14: 2+4=6 (Carbon), etc.)
Period 3 (Na to Ar):
o Group 1–2: Atomic number = G + 10
o Group 13–18: Atomic number = Group Number + 0 (Atomic number = Group
number, e.g., Group 15 → P=3, G=15, phosphorus is atomic number 15)
Higher Periods (d/p-block):
o Period 4: Atomic number = Group Number + 18
o Period 5: Atomic number = Group Number + 36
o Period 6:
Groups 1–2: Atomic number = Group Number + 54
Lanthanides (f-block): Atomic Number = 57–71 (special
case)
Groups 4–18: Atomic number = Group Number + 68
o Period 7:
Groups 1–2: Atomic number = Group Number + 86
Actinides (f-block): Atomic numbers 89–103
Groups 4–18: Atomic number = Group Number + 100
Worked Example
Suppose you are given:
Group 17
Period 4
Step 1: Use Period 4 formula:
Atomic number = Group Number + 18
= 17 + 18 = 35
Element 35 is Bromine (Br).
Special Notes & Limitations
For first 20 elements: You may also use the electron configuration for even more
direct deduction (sum the electrons in all shells).
Transition and inner transition elements (d- and f-block): The formulas above
still work, but for lanthanides and actinides (periods 6–7 f-block), consult a table for
specific element positions as their positions are partially “inserted.”
These formulas work with the standard IUPAC periodic table. [1]
Summary Table of Shortcuts
Period Group Range Formula for Atomic Number
1 1 1
1 18 2
2 1–2 G+P
2 13–18 P + (Group No. – 10)
3 1–2 G + 10
3 13–18 G
4 1–18 G + 18
5 1–18 G + 36
6 1–2 G + 54
6 4–18 G + 68
7 1–2 G + 86
7 4–18 G + 100
In conclusion:
If you’re given the group and period number of an element, you can often directly
compute its atomic number using these formulas. For main-group elements, this method
is very reliable. For transition elements and inner transition elements, verify with a
standard periodic table for accuracy in details. [1]
Tip: A periodic table is always the quickest cross-check for full certainty.
References for formulas and worked example structure:
Table and formulas adapted from peer-reviewed chemistry research for periodic
table estimation.[1]
See also modern textbook approaches which relate electron shells and group
numbers to atomic numbers for groups 1–18.
1. http://www.orientjchem.org/vol35no1/a-simplified-method-for-estimating-atomic-number-and-
neutrons-numbers-of-elements-based-on-period-and-group-numbers-in-the-periodic-table/
