Determine the type of solute
Identify whether the solute dissociates, associates, or remains undissociated
Write the dissociation or association equation
Count the number of particles produced per formula unit in solution
Use the formula i = actual number of particles in solution / number of formula units dissolved
For electrolytes, calculate i from the ions formed after dissociation
For nonelectrolytes, use i = 1
For association, use i less than 1
If using colligative properties, calculate i from the measured and expected values
Use i = observed colligative property / calculated colligative property without van’t Hoff factor