Oxidation number: This page explains what oxidation states (oxidation

This page explains what oxidation states (oxidation numbers ) are and how to calculate and use them. The oxidation state or oxidation number is an atom's charge after ionic approximation of its bonds. How to calculate oxidation state Read our article on finding oxidation states for a compound or use our oxidation numbers calculator to do it for you. You can also ask for help determining oxidation numbers in our chat or forums. Oxidation number is defined as the total number of electrons that an atom either gains or loses to form a chemical bond with another atom. Let's learn about oxidation number in detail, including its rules and steps to calculate it with the help of examples. The oxidation state is a broader concept applicable in various contexts, while the oxidation number is more specifically defined and used for redox processes, reflecting actual or formal charges in compounds.