Pick a source point. This will be a useful reference point to measure distance.
Define the variables. The variable k is a constant that equals 8.988 x 109 N·m^2/C^2. The variable q is the value of the individual charge in coulombs (C). Be sure to note the absolute value of variable q must be used. The variable r is equal to the distance between the source point and any other of the individual charges in meters (m).
Measure the distance between the source point and the individual charges. If necessary, measure any angles between charges.
Find the total electric field (E) for each of the charges using the formula given in the introduction. These are the magnitudes of the individual electric fields in newtons (N).
Find the direction of the individual electric fields. The electric field of positive charges point away from that charge. The electric field of negative charges point toward that charge. Using vectors, determine whether each of the individual electric fields are positive or negative. Bigger charges make bigger vectors.
Add all of the individual electric fields. This calculation should include their magnitude and direction. This sum is the total net electric field in newtons (N). If there are angles between the charges, multiply that individual magnitude by the x- or y-component of that vector before adding that magnitude.