This document defines standard state as conditions of 1 atmosphere pressure and 298.15K temperature, where the standard molar enthalpy of each element in its most stable state is defined as zero. It explains that standard enthalpy of formation (Hof) is the heat change when 1 mole of a substance is formed from its elements in their standard states. This value can be used to calculate the standard enthalpy change (Horeaction) of a chemical reaction from the standard enthalpies of formation of the reactants and products. Two example problems are included to demonstrate calculating Horeaction using given standard enthalpies of formation.