What is Saponification value?

Saponification value or saponification number represents the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide required to saponify one gram of fat under the conditions specified. It is a measure of the average molecular weight of all the fatty acids present in the sample as triglycerides. The higher the saponification value, the lower the fatty acids average length, the lighter the mean molecular weight of triglycerides and vice-versa. Practically, fats or oils with high saponification value are more suitable for soap making.