How to read the IGCSE periodic table
Each tile shows four things, from top to bottom: the atomic number (also called the proton number), the symbol, the name and the relative atomic mass. The atomic number tells you how many protons the atom has, and in a neutral atom how many electrons. The relative atomic mass is the number you use in mole calculations.
Hydrogen is printed on its own above the table, not in Group I, because it is not an alkali metal.
Groups I to VIII
Cambridge labels the main groups with Roman numerals. Group I is the alkali metals, Group II the alkaline earth metals, Group VII the halogens and Group VIII the noble gases. The group number is the number of electrons in the outer shell, which is why elements in the same group have similar chemical properties. The transition elements sit in the block between Group II and Group III and have no group number on this table.
Elsewhere you will see the modern numbering, 1 to 18. Groups I and II are groups 1 and 2, and Groups III to VIII are groups 13 to 18.
How it differs from other periodic tables
The masses are rounded to whole numbers, with chlorine (35.5) the only exception, so copper is 64 here but 63.5 on the UK GCSE tables. Radioactive elements with no stable isotope show a dash in place of a mass. Use the values from the Cambridge table in your calculations, because the mark schemes are written with them.
This page covers Cambridge IGCSE (syllabus 0620). Pearson Edexcel International GCSE uses its own periodic table, which is not shown here.
Print a periodic table for revision
For a paper copy with every element name, download our free periodic table PDF in colour or black and white. It is a full periodic table, not a copy of the exam sheet, so it is best for learning the elements; for exam practice use the table in your board’s past papers. You can also test yourself with the element quiz or check a formula mass with the molar mass calculator.