Electronegativity Difference Calculator

They're guidelines — bonding is a continuum.

Classify a bond from electronegativity difference.

Difference (ΔEN) 2.23

Bond type Ionic

Formula: ΔEN = |EN₁ − EN₂|

Step-by-step with your numbers:

1. Values used:

2. Electronegativity 1 = 3.16

3. Electronegativity 2 = 0.93

5. Difference (ΔEN) = Electronegativity 1 - Electronegativity 2 = 3.16 - 0.93 = 2.23

6. Bond type = Ionic

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The electronegativity difference predicts whether a bond is ionic, polar or nonpolar.

The math behind it

ΔEN = |EN₁ − EN₂|. ≥1.7 ionic; 0.4–1.7 polar covalent; <0.4 nonpolar covalent.

Cl (3.16) & Na (0.93) → ΔEN 2.23 (ionic).

Exact cutoffs?

They're guidelines — bonding is a continuum.