Cancers, we love you—if not for how inclined you are to cry in an H&M dressing room upon hearing an Enya track, then definitely for how you always tuck a mini bottle of ibuprofen in your bag in case someone—anyone—gets a headache. You’re the world’s symbolic mother, which can make dating…interesting. (Oedipus complex, anyone?) Don’t fret. Some signs are more compatible than others. Here, I’ll break down your compatibility with the other zodiac signs, ranked from worst to best.
Cancer Compatible Signs: Best & Worst Zodiac Matches for Cancer
No wonder you two get along
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Published Apr 29, 2024
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Meet the Astrologer
Kiki O’Keeffe is a writer and astrologer in Brooklyn. You can follow her newsletter, I don’t believe in astrology, or her Twitter and Medium @alexkiki. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine and Cosmopolitan.
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What Are Some Cancer Personality Traits?
The ultimate caretaker, a Cancer would never leave you hanging when you come to her with a problem. Any astrologer, myself included, will tell you that these highly emotional crabs will sit down and talk you through any anxiety, be it a big presentation at work or how to handle a difficult social situation, they’re always ready with a keen ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and some Häagen-Dazs on deck.
But while we love them for their nurturing nature, these ultra-sensitive creatures can be a bit clingy. After all, because they give so much of themselves, Cancers can feel easily neglected when they don’t receive the same level of attention in return. Small things such as not texting goodnight or forgetting to let them know you’re going to dinner after work can send them down an emotional wormhole, so be sure your communication skills are up to par.
How we Ranked The Best & Worst Zodiac Compatible Signs for Cancers
In ranking the most compatible zodiac signs for Cancer, we prioritized emotional synergy, shared values and relationship goals. Each sign was evaluated based on its elemental compatibility, key traits and the typical dynamic it forms with Cancer's sensitive, nurturing personality and considered against dating trends, wants and needs. We also, of course, considered the balance between Cancers' need for security and other signs' willingness to meet this.
What Signs Are Most Compatible with Cancers?
Twenty20
1. Cancer and Scorpio Compatibility (October 23 - November 21)
A typical Cancer thinks Romeo & Juliet is the perfect love story and just one huge communication error. That’s because they crave commitment and need to know their partners are in it for the long haul. In other words, you’ve got to crack that hard shell to get that sweet crabmeat. Scorpios, famously confident, possessive and jealous, have the tenacity to prove they are not just ride or die, they are ride AND die, as in, ’til death do us part. See? It’s scary, but for a Cancer, it’s beautifully romantic. Oh Scorpio, oh Scorpio! Wherefore art thou Scorpio?
2. Cancer and Pisces Compatibility (February 20 - March 20)
Pisces, fellow water signs, are deep and emotional. They genuinely lose themselves in love. That’s great news for a Cancer, who not only wants commitment but also someone who will let them take care of them. The natural martyr complex of Pisces proves an ideal match for the crab’s nurturing soul by offering pure devotion. They will probably write a love poem a day for a year and end up casually scoring a book deal and dedicating it to their muse, their beloved Cancer.
3. Cancer and Taurus Compatibility (April 20 - May 20)
Tauruses and Cancers speak the same love language: Money. Sounds tacky, but truly, the bull is known for being superb at managing money, and the Cancer is serious about planning for the future. Emotional and financial security go hand in hand for both signs. But lest you think this would be a mercenary, loveless pairing, remember that Tauruses, like Cancers, love classic hearts-and-flowers romance. We’re talking bouquets of calla lilies for no reason(!), bath bombs and couples cooking classes. We’re seeing that bathtub scene from The Bridges of Madison County in your future together…minus that whole affair plot.
4. Cancer and Virgo Compatibility (August 23 - September 22)
This is the match that begs the question: Who will pamper the pamperers? Virgo loves to serve, and Cancer loves to mother. Despite being elementally compatible (Cancer’s water works well with Virgo’s earth), these two are a bit too similar for their own good—they’re both in a constant tug-of-war to be the one who gets to do the dishes and then passive-aggressively complain about it later. But when they’re in that good place, they get to be passive-aggressive together. A long walk in the park full of deep conversation? Wonderful. A long walk in the park mumbling disses at every passerby? Even better.
Chinese Zodiac Elements: How to Know What Yours Is and What It Means
5. Cancer and Cancer Compatibility (June 22 - July 22)
Crabs on crabs understand how important security is to the other, and when it clicks, these two will immediately start construction on a stable future together. This is the couple that throws the fabulous house parties but passes on going out for after-work drinks. It’s not that they aren't social, it’s just that things are just so much easier if you come to them, no? Once you’re inside the crab shell, they will feed you, pamper you, watch whatever you want on Netflix, etc., but they are homebodies through and through. Still, Cancers aren’t stagnant. They tend to love children and share the work of raising them (leaning in at home!), and when it comes to choosing a new settee or a paint swatch for the foyer, these domestic geniuses know exactly how important that decision is.
6. Cancer and Capricorn Compatibility (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns are serious about their futures, and they share a bone-dry sense of humor with the introverted crab. When you’re in business with a Capricorn (and marriage is a business), you are in good hands. Capricorns can be kind of cold, but once they are finally done with work for the day, they can be incredibly caring and nurturing. If relationships are work, Capricorns are here to do the work, and that usually makes for a very stable bond. One thing these two have in common is they keep their personal business private and present a strong, united front. Together, these over-achievers are the power couple of everyone’s dreams. Yeah, you’re basically Will and Kate.
What Signs Are Least Compatible with Cancers?
Twenty20
1. Cancer and Aquarius Compatibility(January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians and Cancers seem like opposites on the surface—although sometimes that’s where the strongest attractions are formed. Aquarians love new ways of thinking and primarily seek to connect on an intellectual level. Cancers are no dummies, but they tend to bond on a heart level. What the two have in common is that they are both deeply passionate people—whether it's a political cause or a niche hobby, these two come together when they find something they both care about. Maybe it's trivia night, where Aquarius can show off the truly random facts they retain, and Cancer can share every historical date and time locked up in their brain since seventh grade (Oh, you didn't know the Stamp Act was passed in 1765? Your local Cancer did...). When these two can focus on what unites them rather than sets them apart, they can win big…but more likely at trivia night than love.
2. Cancer and Aries Compatibility(March 21 - April 19)
This can be a tricky match. Oh, it seems tempting at first...Aries energy is hyper-masculine, fun and entrepreneurial, which is something that attracts Cancers. But they can be notorious for starting things and not finishing, whereas Cancers have the opposite habit: never letting go. The key to this pairing is patience. Aries like to move fast, but if they can channel their enthusiasm into slowly revealing to the crab over time that they are loved and taken care of, the chemistry can be explosive. Cancers love being adored, and Aries love showing off their partners and making them feel like rock stars. The pairing of these two can create almost a celebrity-type presence—shiny and charismatic; but we all know how too many celeb relationships end: messily.
3. Cancer and Sagittarius Compatibility (November 22 - December 21)
We already know that fire and water don’t mix well. Sagittarius is fiery and loud, cracking jokes, jabbering on 45-minute diatribes about how their new religion is not a cult, but a wonderful, peace-loving community (where, yeah, you have to sacrifice a toe to join, but so what?!). But these two have something major in common: FOOD. The way to their hearts is through their stomachs, and you can find them both waiting in line three hours for what’s considered the best slice of pizza in Brooklyn. And that’s truly a great day, even with Sagittarius monologuing in between bites and Cancer eating their feelings about how disturbing the idea of a new religion really is...
4. Cancer and Gemini Compatibility(May 21 - June 20)
Geminis have a lot of good qualities to bring to any romantic partnership: They are funny, enthusiastic, highly intelligent, curious and love to have a good time. Those may intrigue a Cancer, but they’ll need just a little bit more of that boring commitment stuff that keeps a relationship together. Sure, Cancers like to have fun, but they also need assurances of loyalty, not a Say Anything boombox gesture after a week of not texting back. Cancers are trying to build a future here, people! The crab needs to feel special, and what’s the one thing we know about Peter Pan? He won’t grow up.
5. Cancer and Leo Compatibility (July 22 - August 22)
Leos are bosses. That’s hot. They are also bossy. That’s dicey for a crab. While Cancers might be attracted to Leos’ natural charisma, their pomposity and swagger can make Cancers roll their eyes—they may be romantic, but they aren’t foolish. While Leos are doing kegstands and stealing the karaoke mic at your friend’s kid’s birthday party, Cancers are not impressed. The only way this match catches fire is with a Leo who can share the spotlight. Which…good luck!
6. Cancer and Libra Compatibility (September 23 - October 22)
Libras love traditional romance, just like Cancers, but their approach is usually coolheaded and intellectual, rather than emotional. This even keel makes them the perfect party host, but while they’re schmoozing and shining their light on everyone equally (they are symbolized by the scales for a reason), a Cancer love interest will feel slighted that they’re not the only VIP in the room. If the Libra can reassure the crab on the deepest, most emotional level that they are devoted, then these two will enjoy an Instagram-worthy relationship. Picture bicycle rides in Montauk, selfies at the Eiffel Tower and double scoops of ice cream. But that’s a big if.
Is there a difference in Friendship vs Love Compatibility with Cancers?
In friendships, Cancers often connect best with those who are loyal, empathetic, and willing to support them emotionally. When it comes to love, the emphasis is on romance, security and long-term commitment. In both, Cancers value partners and friends with emotional depth, but when it comes to their love interests, the volume's turned up a few notches (so to speak).
What do Cancers like in a friendship?
Cancers value loyalty, consistency, and a strong sense of emotional connection. They appreciate friends who offer genuine support, show understanding, and provide comfort, especially during tough times.
Recapping Cancer Compatible Signs
The most compatible signs for Cancer include Taurus, Virgo, and Scorpio. These are signs that typically resonate with Cancer’s emotional-forward nature, offering stability, security and a shared approach to relationship building.
Famous Cancers
- Ariana Grande (June 26)
- Cyndi Lauper (June 22)
- Elon Musk (June 28)
- Harrison Ford (July 13)
- Khloé Kardashian (June 27)
- Lindsay Lohan (July 2)
- Margot Robbie (July 2)
- Meryl Streep (June 22)
- Mindy Kaling (June 24)
- Post Malone (July 4)
- Princess Diana (July 1)
- Selena Gomez (July 22)
- Solange Knowles (June 24)
- Tom Hanks (July 9)
