Molecular Geometry of Methane (CH₄) - VSEPR Theory

What is the molecular geometry of Methane (CH₄)?

Methane (CH₄) has 4 electron domains around the central C atom: 4 bonding and 0 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, giving a tetrahedral molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.

FormulaCH₄
NameMethane
Central AtomC
Bonding Domains4
Lone Pair Domains0
Total Electron Domains4
Electron Domain GeometryTetrahedral
Molecular GeometryTetrahedral
Bond Angle109.5°

Electron Domain Count

Carbon has 4 bonding domains (one for each C–H bond) and 0 lone pairs = 4 total electron domains.

Electron Domain Geometry

4 electron domains arrange tetrahedrally. With no lone pairs, the arrangement is perfectly symmetric.

Molecular Geometry

All 4 electron domains are bonding pairs, so the molecular geometry is also tetrahedral — a perfect 3D shape.

Bond Angle

The bond angle is exactly 109.5° — the ideal tetrahedral angle. With 4 identical bonds and no lone pairs, there is no distortion.

See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.

Visualize Methane's Geometry in 3D

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Draw the Lewis dot structure of Methane

Is Methane Polar or Nonpolar?

Polarity analysis of CH₄

Orbital Hybridization

See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids