LAECHG = TRUE is necessary for bader population analysis?

[cenwanglai]

If just the valance electrons are related in bonding, may be the static SCF CHGCAR is just OK for bader population analysis. Why it is important for core electrons instead?

[graeme]

The core charge is essential for defining the Bader volumes. It is necessary to have a charge density maximum at the atomic centers, and for many elements -- particularly those giving up valence electrons in chemical bonds, this only occurs when the core charge is present.

As with your other post, I suggest that you follow the instructions on this page:
http://theory.cm.utexas.edu/bader/vasp.php

[cenwanglai]

Thanks! I think it is what I need to do.