How this calculator works
The Pauling scale compares an atom tendency to attract shared electrons. Subtract the smaller value from the larger to get an unsigned difference. A larger difference often means a more polar bond, but there is no universal numerical boundary that makes a substance ionic. Only elements with tabulated values in the selected reference set are offered; missing values are never replaced with zero.
Formula
Electronegativity difference = absolute value of chi A - chi B.
Worked example
Sodium at 0.93 and chlorine at 3.16 differ by 2.23. Carbon at 2.55 and hydrogen at 2.20 differ by 0.35.
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Frequently asked questions
Is electronegativity measured in volts?
No. The Pauling scale is a relative dimensionless scale.
Can this predict whole-molecule polarity?
Molecular shape also matters. Bond dipoles can cancel.
Why are some elements unavailable?
A reliable Pauling value is not tabulated for every element. Unsupported elements are omitted.