Identify the element
Find the element on the periodic table
Use the electronegativity scale value listed for that element
Compare its position on the periodic table if no value is provided
Electronegativity generally increases from left to right across a period
Electronegativity generally decreases from top to bottom within a group
Fluorine has the highest electronegativity
Alkali metals have low electronegativity
Use a reference table or chart for exact values
For a bond, compare the electronegativity values of both atoms
Subtract the smaller value from the larger value to find the electronegativity difference