Using our previously proposed matrix method, an equation of state for hard spheres is presented, which can reproduce the exact values of the first-eight virial coefficients. This equation meets both the low density and the close-packed limits and can predicts the first order fluid-solid phase transition of hard spheres. The results obtained show that the new equation of state can correlate the simulation data of compressibility factor up to high densities better than other equations of state. The new equation of state is extended to mixtures of hard spheres and excess functions of various binary liquid mixtures are calculated using the perturbation theory of Leonard-Henderson-Barker. The results are compared with existing theoretical and experimental data and with those calculated by other hard-sphere equations of state. It is seen that the results obtained by the new equation of state is quite satisfactory compared to other equations of state for the hard spheres and mixture of hard spheres. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.