Lewis Structure Formal Charge (FC) & Resonance Stability Calculator
Calculate formal charge (FC) for individual atoms in molecular Lewis structures and polyatomic ions to identify preferred resonance contributors.
Formal Charge (FC)
Calculator Inputs
Formal Charge (FC)
Number of Attached Covalent Bonds
Number of Lone Pairs
Optimal Zero Formal Charge (FC = 0): Indicates maximum thermodynamic stability and preferred Lewis structure resonance contributor.
Lewis Structure Formal Charge Breakdown
Standard molecular structure and chemical bonding tool for resonance stability analysis.
Calculation Methodology
Formal Charge Equation: FC = V - N - (B / 2). Where V is the number of valence electrons of the isolated neutral atom (e.g., C=4, N=5, O=6), N is the count of non-bonding lone-pair electrons, and B is the count of shared bonding electrons (each covalent bond contributes 2).
Frequently Asked Questions
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