OCR prints its periodic table on the data sheet for GCSE Gateway Science and for A Level Chemistry A. Both put the atomic number at the top of each tile and the relative atomic mass, to one decimal place, at the bottom. This page shows the OCR periodic table in both versions, with the values as OCR prints them.
Periodixtable is an independent revision site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board. In the exam, use the periodic table your board gives you.
OCR GCSE periodic table
Each tile reads, from top to bottom: atomic number, symbol, name, relative atomic mass. Select an element to open its full page.
The values below are the ones printed for the elements that appear most often in exam questions, next to the standard atomic mass shown on our full periodic table.
An OCR tile reads, from top to bottom: atomic number, symbol, name and relative atomic mass. That is the opposite way round from AQA, where the mass is on top, so take care if you use revision materials written for another board.
Above the columns OCR prints two sets of group labels: the modern numbers 1 to 18, and the older numbers (1) to (7) and (0) in brackets over the main groups. Group (7) and group 17 are the same column, the halogens; group (0) and group 18 are the noble gases.
OCR GCSE and OCR A level periodic tables compared
The two tables share one design, and the masses are the same on both. The GCSE version shows the lanthanoids and actinoids only as two labelled boxes, while the A level version prints them as two rows below the table. OCR uses the spellings lanthanoids and actinoids; many other sources, including AQA, call them lanthanides and actinides.
Most radioactive elements have no mass printed. On the A level sheet the exceptions are thorium (232.0) and uranium (238.1).
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.
Which number is the atomic number on the OCR periodic table?+
The top number. The OCR periodic table prints the atomic number above the symbol and the relative atomic mass at the bottom of the tile, under the element’s name.
Is the OCR GCSE periodic table the same as the A level one?+
They use the same layout and the same relative atomic masses, to one decimal place. The A level table also prints the lanthanoids and actinoids in two rows below the main table.
Why do some elements have no mass on the OCR periodic table?+
Elements with no stable isotopes, such as technetium, polonium, astatine and radon, have no fixed relative atomic mass, so OCR leaves the mass blank. You will not be asked to calculate with them.
What relative atomic mass does OCR use for copper and chlorine?+
OCR prints copper as 63.5 and chlorine as 35.5, at both GCSE and A level. Zinc is 65.4 and iron is 55.8.
What do the numbers in brackets above the OCR periodic table mean?+
They are the older group numbers. (1) and (2) are groups 1 and 2, (3) to (7) are groups 13 to 17, and (0) is group 18, the noble gases. The modern numbers 1 to 18 are printed just below them.