An equation was derived to calculate the surface density of trimethylsilyl groups (α T M S ) on bonded chromatographic stationary phases that have undergone primary as well as secondary ('end-capping') chemical modification. The new equation is an extension of that published by Berendsen-de Galan for calculating primary surface coverage and, likewise, α T M S is calculated in terms of the carbon content (% by weight) of the bonded material before and after end-capping, specific surface area of the starting silica and structural information (molecular weight and number of carbon atoms) of the anchored groups. The new equation is valuable when a thorough characterization of bonded stationary phases is desirable and, if used along with the Berendsen-de Galan equation, it affords total ligand coverage information. Application of the new equation to correct for measurable carbon content of the starting support leads to a more accurate expression for surface coverage from primary as well as secondary bonding. The scope and limitations of the new equation are discussed.