Crisscross Method Worksheet

The Crisscross Method of Balancing Charge Worksheet

Ionic compound formulas must contain the fewest number of ions that “balance” out positive and negative charge (the same amount of each).  This “crisscross” method is one way of writing the formulas properly.  The formula for ionic compounds is called a “formula unit.”

1. Write symbols and charge of ions. Cu²⁺ , P^3-
2. Crisscross: Cu²⁺₃, P^3-₂
   1. The cation charge becomes the anion subscript
   2. The anion charge becomes the cation subscript
3. Clean up format for final answer

• Do NOT write ionic charges
• Reduce the subscripts to lowest ratio
• Do NOT write the subscript “1” Cu₃P₂