Electronegativity and bond type calculator

This tool calculates the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) between two elements using Pauling electronegativity values, then predicts the type of chemical bond they are likely to form. Just choose two elements and it tells you whether the bond is nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic.

How bond type is predicted

Electronegativity measures how strongly an atom attracts shared electrons. The bigger the difference between two atoms, the more unequal the sharing. As a common guide: a difference below 0.5 gives a nonpolar covalent bond, between 0.5 and 1.7 a polar covalent bond, and above 1.7 an ionic bond. These are guidelines rather than strict cut-offs.

Why it matters

Bond type determines much of a substance's behaviour — melting point, solubility, and whether it conducts electricity. Sodium and chlorine (ΔEN ≈ 2.23) form ionic table salt, while two chlorine atoms share electrons equally in a nonpolar bond. Explore elements further with our periodic table and molecular weight calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Which element is most electronegative?

Fluorine, with a Pauling value of 3.98, is the most electronegative element. Electronegativity generally increases across a period and decreases down a group.