Periodic Table of Elements for Kids

The periodic table arranges the chemical elements into a pattern so that you can predict the properties of elements based on where they are located on the table. Elements are arranged from left to right and from top to bottom in order of increasing atomic number or number of protons in the element.

Rows of elements are called periods. The period number of an element signifies the highest unexcited energy level for an electron in that element. The number of elements in a period increases as you move down the periodic table because there are more sublevels per level as the energy level of the atom increases.

Columns of elements help define element groups. Elements within a group share several common properties.

More Element Information

• Mendeleev's Original Periodic Table
• Element Photo Gallery
• Alphabetical List of Elements
• Element Symbol Quiz
• Element Names Spelling Quiz
• Periodic Table Quiz
• Timeline of Element Discovery
• Trends (Periodicity) in the Periodic Table
• Introduction to the Periodic Table
• Element Types - Chemistry of Groups
• Lanthanides & Actinides - The Rare Earths
• What Are the Elements in the Human Body?
• What Is the Most Abundant Element?

This table shows element symbols, atomic numbers, atomic weights, periods, and groups. Click on an element symbol for more information about that element.