Electronegativity Difference Calculator

Determine bond type (ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent) from electronegativity values.

Electronegativity Difference Calculator

Determine bond type (ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent) from electronegativity values.

Formula
Delta EN = |EN1 - EN2|
What is This Tool?

Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. The difference in electronegativity between two bonded atoms determines the bond type: nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic.

Formula
Delta EN = |EN(atom 1) - EN(atom 2)| Bond type classification: < 0.4 : Nonpolar covalent 0.4 - 1.7 : Polar covalent > 1.7 : Ionic
Worked Examples

1. O-H bond in water

Given: EN(O) = 3.44, EN(H) = 2.20

Delta EN = |3.44 - 2.20| = 1.24

1.24 is between 0.4 and 1.7

Result: Polar covalent bond

2. Na-Cl bond

Given: EN(Na) = 0.93, EN(Cl) = 3.16

Delta EN = |0.93 - 3.16| = 2.23

2.23 > 1.7

Result: Ionic bond

3. C-H bond in methane

Given: EN(C) = 2.55, EN(H) = 2.20

Delta EN = |2.55 - 2.20| = 0.35

0.35 < 0.4

Result: Nonpolar covalent bond

Frequently Asked Questions