A new index suitable for computing molecular similarity based upon the similarity of molecular properties such as electrostatic potentials or electrostatic fields is presented in two forms. For one form of the present index, general conditions are established for which a linear measure of similarity is obtained. An illustrative example is provided in which the electrostatic field and electrostatic potential of guanine obtained from different wave functions are compared. (C) 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.