How this calculator works
Molecular orbital theory separates electrons that strengthen a bond from electrons that weaken it. Each net pair adds one to bond order, so an odd net electron count gives a half-integer. Supply orbital occupancies rather than all electrons indiscriminately. A positive value alone does not prove chemical stability, and this tool does not infer orbital filling or magnetism.
Formula
Bond order = (bonding electrons - antibonding electrons) / 2.
Worked example
For O2, 10 bonding and 6 antibonding electrons give bond order 2. If there are 8 bonding electrons and bond order 3, there must be 2 antibonding electrons.
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Frequently asked questions
Can bond order be 1.5?
Yes. One net unpaired bonding electron adds one half.
Does zero bond order predict a bond?
This simple model predicts no net stabilizing bond at zero.
Do nonbonding electrons count?
No. Include only the bonding and antibonding orbitals for the interaction being assessed.