Step by step
- Tap the element to read its configuration.
- Count the electrons after the noble gas core in brackets.
- Or use the group: 1, 2, then 13–18 minus 10.
At a glance
| Element | Configuration | Valence electrons |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium (Na) | [Ne] 3s¹ | 1 |
| Oxygen (O) | [He] 2s² 2p⁴ | 6 |
| Chlorine (Cl) | [Ne] 3s² 3p⁵ | 7 |
Related questions
What about transition metals?
Their valence electrons vary because d electrons can join in; iron is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s².
Why do some elements break the filling order?
Chromium and copper move one electron to make a half-full or full d subshell.
What is the order of filling?
1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p…, following the diagonal rule.
More questions: periodic table
- How to read the periodic table
- How is the periodic table organized?
- What is the periodic table?
- Why is it called the periodic table?
- How many elements are on the periodic table?
- What are the groups on the periodic table?
- Which elements are metals, nonmetals and metalloids?
- What are the periodic table trends?
- Periodic table with charges and oxidation states
- Why is gold Au and potassium K on the periodic table?
- How to memorize and study the periodic table
- Why is the periodic table important?
- Who invented the periodic table?
Open the full periodic table →
Updated November 14, 2026.