A semi-empirical method to determine the electrostatic characteristics of a diode type corona aerosol charger based on ion current measurement and electrostatic charging theory was presented. Results from mathematical model were in agreement with those from experimental investigation of the charger. Current-voltage characteristics, $N_{i}t$ product and charge distribution against aerosol size were obtained. It was shown that the space charge was significant and must be taken into account at high ion number concentration and low flow rate. Additionally, significant particle loss was evident for particles smaller than 20 nm in diameter where their electrical mobility was high. Increase in charging efficiency may be achieved by introducing surrounding sheath flow and applying AC high voltage. Overall, the approach was found to be useful in characterizing the aerosol charger.