How do you calculate the number of

valence electrons in an atom?

Chemistry Electron Configuration Valence Electrons
For elements in Groups 1, 2, and 12 to 18, a valence electron is an
electron that has highest principal quantum number n.
Example:
For example, how many valence electrons are in arsenic?
Solution:

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Arsenic is in the fourth row of the Periodic Table, so we count from

left to right starting with K. From K to Ca, we are filling 4s orbitals.
From Sc to Zn, we are filling 3d orbitals, but these are not valence
electrons. They do not have the highest principal quantum number
(n = 3 instead of 4). From Ga to As, we are putting electrons into 4p
orbitals, and these are valence electrons.
Arsenic has five valence electrons.
Transition Metals
Transition metals (Groups 3 to 11) have incomplete d subshells.
These atoms can use their d electrons for bonding. So the valence
electrons for a transition metal are the ns and (n-1)d electrons.
This means that manganese (Mn) has the electron
configuration [Ar]4s3d and 7 valence electrons.