Electronegativity Calculator

Calculate electronegativity differences, predict bond polarity, and determine ionic character of bonds.

Select Elements

Common Pairs:

Bond Type

Ionic

Electronegativity Difference: 2.23

1Na (pauling)
0.93
2Cl (pauling)
3.16
+/-Ionic Character
71.2%
ePartial Charge
0.531 e

Analysis:

  • More electronegative: Cl
  • Dipole direction: Na -> Cl
  • Electrons shift toward: Cl

Understanding Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Higher electronegativity means stronger attraction. The difference between two atoms' electronegativities determines bond polarity: <0.4 is nonpolar covalent, 0.4-1.7 is polar covalent, and >1.7 is ionic.

Electronegativity Scales

Pauling Scale

Based on bond dissociation energies. Most widely used.

Mulliken Scale

Average of ionization energy and electron affinity.

Allred-Rochow

Based on effective nuclear charge and covalent radius.