Identify whether the solution is a strong acid, strong base, weak acid, or weak base
For strong acids, use the acid molarity as the hydrogen ion concentration: ([H^+] = M)
For strong bases, use the base molarity as the hydroxide ion concentration: ([OH^-] = M)
Calculate pH for acids using: (pH = -log[H^+])
Calculate pOH for bases using: (pOH = -log[OH^-])
Convert pOH to pH using: (pH = 14 – pOH)
For weak acids or weak bases, use the dissociation constant and an equilibrium calculation
For polyprotic acids or bases, account for each ionizable proton or hydroxide as needed
If dilution occurs, first find the new molarity using (M_1V_1 = M_2V_2)
Use the updated molarity to calculate pH
Check whether the solution concentration is high enough to require activity corrections in advanced cases