The aim of this paper is the application of Pettifor stability structure maps to MHx binary metal (M) hydrides in accordance with their hydrogenation properties. The formation enthalpy (Delta H-f) of selected hydrides, their stoichiometry (MHx) and hydrogen capacity (H-cap) were extracted from the literature, where these values were either measured or calculated using various models. A comparison of the enthalpy values obtained from experiments or calculations based on the Miedema, Born-Haber and Energetic models is also presented. An assessment of the effect of the Delta H-f values obtained by various methods on the structure stability maps was performed by plotting the enthalpy vs. the Mendeleev number M and the value of the chemical scale, chi. Moreover, based on two- and three-dimensional Pettifor plots, the enthalpy of hydride formation and hydrogen capacity of selected hydrides are presented with respect to the hydride stoichiometry, H-x, and the Mendeleev number M. Higher values of M indicate less hydride stability and, thus, larger stability variations. The metal hydrides with only one hydrogen atom (x = 1) and M from 0 to 21 exhibit stability that is adequate for practical applications. For M from 21 to 53, all hydrides exhibit high stability regardless of H-x For M from 53 to 102, all hydrides exhibit large variations in stability. Thus, the hydrides with x = 1-3 exhibit either high stability or stability that is adequate for practical applications, and those with x = 4 are highly unstable hydrides. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.