Formal Charge and Lone Pairs

[Gabriel Ordonez 2K]

When we are calculating the formal charge of an atomic structure, I have a few questions in regards to counting. When we are counting for the number of bonded and lone electrons, do we count in pairs or in electrons individually? This will help me prevent silly mathematical errors. Thank you!

[Jada Brown 2H]

It is the number of electrons in the bonds, not the number of pairs.

[John Arambulo 1I]

You would count the number of electrons in the lone pair and bonds individually. But here's a shortcut to calculate the formal charge…
Formal charge=(#of valence electrons for the atom)-(Total number of lone pair electrons and bonds on the atom)

[Sadhana_Dicussion_4A]

You count the electrons individually and not in pairs when calculating formal charge. The formula for calculating formal charge is (number of valence electrons in the neutral atom) - 1/2(number of electrons in covalent bonds) - (number of electrons in lone pairs).

[gabbymaraziti]

You count the number of bonded electrons, not the number of pairs.