Using a stepped-pole broad-range magnetic analyzer, the charge-state distributions of heavy ions have been measured upon their passing through thin carbon and gold foils. A review is presented of works on the charge distribution of heavy ions passing through solid targets and reaction products at the exits from these targets. The measured charge distributions of accelerated ions and ion-induced reaction products at the exit from the targets are compared to the theoretical values. It is shown that the calculated mean charges of heavy ions and reaction products can be used only as estimates.