Table of Common Cations

Illustration of zinc atoms in electrode dissolving in acid, losing electrons to form cations
Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated March 30, 2019

Cations are ions which have a positive electrical charge. A cation has fewer electrons than protons. An ion may consist of a single atom of an element (a monatomic ion or monatomic cation or anion) or of several atoms that are bonded together (a polyatomic ion or polyatomic cation or anion). Because of their net electrical charge, cations are repelled by other cations and are attracted to anions.

This is a table listing the name, formula, and charge of common cations.

Alternate names are given for some cations. 

Table of Common Cations

Cation NameFormulaOther Name 
AluminumAl3+  
AmmoniumNH4+  
BariumBa2+  
CalciumCa2+  
Chromium(II)Cr2+Chromous 
Chromium(III)Cr3+Chromic 
Copper(I)Cu+Cuprous 
Copper(II)Cu2+Cupric 
Iron(II)Fe2+Ferrous 
Iron(III)Fe3+Ferric 
HydrogenH+  
HydroniumH3O+Oxonium 
Lead(II)Pb2+  
LithiumLi+  
MagnesiumMg2+  
Manganese(II)Mn2+Manganous 
Manganese(III)Mn3+Manganic 
Mercury(I)Hg22+Mercurous 
Mercury(II)Hg2+Mercuric 
NitroniumNO2+  
PotassiumK+  
SilverAg+  
SodiumNa+  
StrontiumSr2+  
Tin(II)Sn2+Stannous 
Tin(IV)Sn4+Stannic 
ZincZn2+