Identify the charges involved, usually +q and -q
Measure the magnitude of the charge q
Measure the separation distance r between the charges
Use the formula p = q × r
Treat dipole moment as a vector pointing from negative charge to positive charge
For multiple charges, add individual dipole moments vectorially
For molecules, determine bond dipoles and sum them as vectors
Use symmetry to check whether the net dipole moment is zero
Express the result in Debye (D) or coulomb-meter (C·m)