50 States and Capitals List: Complete A-Z Guide
Need a simple list of all 50 states and capitals? Here it is: the United States has 50 states, and each state has one official capital city.
The tricky part is that the capital is not always the city most people guess first. New York City is not the capital of New York. Los Angeles is not the capital of California. Las Vegas is not the capital of Nevada. A state capital is the city where the state government is based, even if it is not the state’s biggest travel hub.
Below, you’ll find the complete A-Z list of the 50 states and capitals, plus a printable checklist, regional tables, common mistakes, memory tips, quick facts, and a short quiz to help you review.
Quick Answer: 50 States and 50 Capitals
The United States has 50 states and 50 official state capitals. A state capital is the city where the state government is based, including the governor’s office and the state legislature.
A capital is not always the largest or most famous city in the state. Albany is the capital of New York, not New York City. Sacramento is the capital of California, not Los Angeles. Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, not Miami or Orlando. Carson City is the capital of Nevada, not Las Vegas.
Complete 50 States and Capitals List
The table below lists all 50 states and their capitals in alphabetical order.
Ye lo clean table:
| No. | State | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | Montgomery |
| 2 | Alaska | Juneau |
| 3 | Arizona | Phoenix |
| 4 | Arkansas | Little Rock |
| 5 | California | Sacramento |
| 6 | Colorado | Denver |
| 7 | Connecticut | Hartford |
| 8 | Delaware | Dover |
| 9 | Florida | Tallahassee |
| 10 | Georgia | Atlanta |
| 11 | Hawaii | Honolulu |
| 12 | Idaho | Boise |
| 13 | Illinois | Springfield |
| 14 | Indiana | Indianapolis |
| 15 | Iowa | Des Moines |
| 16 | Kansas | Topeka |
| 17 | Kentucky | Frankfort |
| 18 | Louisiana | Baton Rouge |
| 19 | Maine | Augusta |
| 20 | Maryland | Annapolis |
| 21 | Massachusetts | Boston |
| 22 | Michigan | Lansing |
| 23 | Minnesota | Saint Paul |
| 24 | Mississippi | Jackson |
| 25 | Missouri | Jefferson City |
| 26 | Montana | Helena |
| 27 | Nebraska | Lincoln |
| 28 | Nevada | Carson City |
| 29 | New Hampshire | Concord |
| 30 | New Jersey | Trenton |
| 31 | New Mexico | Santa Fe |
| 32 | New York | Albany |
| 33 | North Carolina | Raleigh |
| 34 | North Dakota | Bismarck |
| 35 | Ohio | Columbus |
| 36 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City |
| 37 | Oregon | Salem |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | Harrisburg |
| 39 | Rhode Island | Providence |
| 40 | South Carolina | Columbia |
| 41 | South Dakota | Pierre |
| 42 | Tennessee | Nashville |
| 43 | Texas | Austin |
| 44 | Utah | Salt Lake City |
| 45 | Vermont | Montpelier |
| 46 | Virginia | Richmond |
| 47 | Washington | Olympia |
| 48 | West Virginia | Charleston |
| 49 | Wisconsin | Madison |
| 50 | Wyoming | Cheyenne |
50 States and Capitals Practice Checklist
Use this checklist for classroom review, homework, spelling practice, quizzes, or memorization.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Montgomery |
| Alaska | Juneau |
| Arizona | Phoenix |
| Arkansas | Little Rock |
| California | Sacramento |
| Colorado | Denver |
| Connecticut | Hartford |
| Delaware | Dover |
| Florida | Tallahassee |
| Georgia | Atlanta |
| Hawaii | Honolulu |
| Idaho | Boise |
| Illinois | Springfield |
| Indiana | Indianapolis |
| Iowa | Des Moines |
| Kansas | Topeka |
| Kentucky | Frankfort |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge |
| Maine | Augusta |
| Maryland | Annapolis |
| Massachusetts | Boston |
| Michigan | Lansing |
| Minnesota | Saint Paul |
| Mississippi | Jackson |
| Missouri | Jefferson City |
| Montana | Helena |
| Nebraska | Lincoln |
| Nevada | Carson City |
| New Hampshire | Concord |
| New Jersey | Trenton |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe |
| New York | Albany |
| North Carolina | Raleigh |
| North Dakota | Bismarck |
| Ohio | Columbus |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City |
| Oregon | Salem |
| Pennsylvania | Harrisburg |
| Rhode Island | Providence |
| South Carolina | Columbia |
| South Dakota | Pierre |
| Tennessee | Nashville |
| Texas | Austin |
| Utah | Salt Lake City |
| Vermont | Montpelier |
| Virginia | Richmond |
| Washington | Olympia |
| West Virginia | Charleston |
| Wisconsin | Madison |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne |
What Is a State Capital?
A state capital is the official city where a state’s government works. It is usually where the governor’s office, state legislature, and major public departments are located.
That does not mean the capital has to be the biggest city.
California’s capital is Sacramento, not Los Angeles. Florida’s capital is Tallahassee, not Miami or Orlando. New York’s capital is Albany, not New York City. Nevada’s capital is Carson City, not Las Vegas.
The easy way to remember it is this: a capital runs the state government. A famous city may be better known for tourism, airports, business, sports, entertainment, or culture.
Why Are Some State Capitals Not the Biggest City?
Many state capitals were chosen for practical, political, or geographic reasons. Some were close to the center of the state. Some were easier to reach when travel was slower. Others were compromise choices between larger cities.
That is why some capitals feel quieter than the cities people know first.
Albany is the capital of New York, but New York City is more famous. Sacramento is the capital of California, but Los Angeles and San Francisco get more attention. Olympia is the capital of Washington, but Seattle is the city many travelers picture first.
No shame if you guessed the famous city first. Most people do. State capitals are about government, not popularity.
Capitals People Often Get Wrong
Some capitals are easy to mix up because another city in the state has stronger name recognition.
| State | Common Wrong Guess | Correct Capital |
|---|---|---|
| California | Los Angeles or San Francisco | Sacramento |
| Florida | Miami or Orlando | Tallahassee |
| Illinois | Chicago | Springfield |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | Baton Rouge |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Carson City |
| New York | New York City | Albany |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia or Pittsburgh | Harrisburg |
| Texas | Dallas or Houston | Austin |
| Washington | Seattle | Olympia |
| Alaska | Anchorage | Juneau |
These mistakes are common because people usually remember cities from movies, airports, sports teams, travel searches, or news coverage. But state capitals are based on government, not fame.
U.S. State Capitals by Region
Learning all 50 states and capitals is easier when you group them by region. Instead of memorizing one long list, break the country into smaller sections.
The U.S. is commonly grouped into four broad regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. If you want to understand the state-only layout before adding capitals, this U.S. states by region guide makes the map easier to follow.
Northeast States and Capitals
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Hartford |
| Maine | Augusta |
| Massachusetts | Boston |
| New Hampshire | Concord |
| New Jersey | Trenton |
| New York | Albany |
| Pennsylvania | Harrisburg |
| Rhode Island | Providence |
| Vermont | Montpelier |
The Northeast has some of the country’s oldest and most historic capital cities. Boston, Providence, Hartford, and Albany are all connected to early American history, colonial settlement, trade routes, and government growth.
This region is also compact, which makes it easier to picture on a map. Many states sit close together, so road trips can combine cities, coastlines, mountains, and historic stops without the huge distances found in the West. For a travel-focused layer beyond capitals, the East Coast national parks in the U.S. are a useful next step.
Southern States and Capitals
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Montgomery |
| Arkansas | Little Rock |
| Delaware | Dover |
| Florida | Tallahassee |
| Georgia | Atlanta |
| Kentucky | Frankfort |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge |
| Maryland | Annapolis |
| Mississippi | Jackson |
| North Carolina | Raleigh |
| South Carolina | Columbia |
| Tennessee | Nashville |
| Virginia | Richmond |
| West Virginia | Charleston |
The South has capitals with strong historical and cultural weight. Richmond, Montgomery, Annapolis, Baton Rouge, and Nashville each carry a different part of the American story.
The South also shows why capitals and famous cities are not always the same. Louisiana’s capital is Baton Rouge, but New Orleans is the city many people know first. Florida’s capital is Tallahassee, but Miami and Orlando are usually more common in travel searches.
For students, the Southern states can be easier to remember when you connect the capitals with broader state identity. Nashville, Atlanta, and Richmond are familiar to many people, while Frankfort, Tallahassee, and Baton Rouge usually need extra review.
Midwest States and Capitals
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Springfield |
| Indiana | Indianapolis |
| Iowa | Des Moines |
| Kansas | Topeka |
| Michigan | Lansing |
| Minnesota | Saint Paul |
| Missouri | Jefferson City |
| Nebraska | Lincoln |
| North Dakota | Bismarck |
| Ohio | Columbus |
| South Dakota | Pierre |
| Wisconsin | Madison |
The Midwest capitals are a mix of government centers, university cities, and historic places. Springfield is closely tied to Abraham Lincoln. Madison is known for lakes and university life. Saint Paul sits beside Minneapolis, creating one of the best-known twin-city regions in the country.
Some Midwest capitals are easy to remember because they are major cities, such as Indianapolis and Columbus. Others need more practice because other cities often get more attention. Lansing is the capital of Michigan, even though Detroit is more famous nationally.
Western States and Capitals
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Juneau |
| Arizona | Phoenix |
| California | Sacramento |
| Colorado | Denver |
| Hawaii | Honolulu |
| Idaho | Boise |
| Montana | Helena |
| Nevada | Carson City |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City |
| Oregon | Salem |
| Texas | Austin |
| Utah | Salt Lake City |
| Washington | Olympia |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne |
The West has some of the most distinctive capital cities in America. Santa Fe is known for adobe architecture and desert light. Denver sits near the Rocky Mountains. Honolulu brings island culture to the list of capital cities. Juneau is unusual because it is not connected to the rest of Alaska by road.
The Western states also show how varied the U.S. is. Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Washington, and New Mexico are all part of the same country, but their landscapes feel completely different. That is why many of the most beautiful states in the USA are remembered for their mountains, coastlines, deserts, forests, lakes, and national parks rather than their capitals alone.
Arizona is one of the easiest states to remember because Phoenix is both the capital and the largest city. But Arizona’s identity also includes desert landscapes, red rocks, heat, road trips, Native American history, and national parks. That broader picture explains what Arizona is known for beyond its capital city.
State Capitals That Are Also Major Cities
Some capitals are easier to remember because they are also major travel, business, or cultural cities.
| Capital | State | Why People Remember It |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Massachusetts | History, universities, sports, old neighborhoods |
| Denver | Colorado | Rocky Mountain access and outdoor trips |
| Honolulu | Hawaii | Beaches, island culture, and Oahu travel |
| Austin | Texas | Food, music, nightlife, tech, and government |
| Nashville | Tennessee | Country music, food, and entertainment |
| Phoenix | Arizona | Desert city, airport hub, and the largest city in Arizona |
| Atlanta | Georgia | Major airport, business, history, and culture |
| Salt Lake City | Utah | Mountains, skiing, and national park routes |
These capitals stick in memory because they are not only government seats. They also appear in travel plans, flight searches, food stories, music trips, and road trip routes.
Small State Capitals Worth Remembering
Some capitals are much smaller and easier to forget. Montpelier, Vermont, is widely recognized as the smallest U.S. state capital by population. Pierre, South Dakota; Frankfort, Kentucky; and Augusta, Maine are also smaller capitals than many others.
That does not make them less important. Smaller capitals show a quieter side of America. They remind you that not every important place has a huge skyline, a large airport, or a national sports team.
Many states are shaped by small cities, local communities, historic districts, and scenic towns. That slower side of the country also appears in many small towns in America, where identity comes from local streets, scenery, history, and pace rather than size.
Is Washington, D.C. One of the 50 State Capitals?
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| 50 U.S. states | Each has one official state capital |
| Washington, D.C. | National capital and federal district, not a state |
| Puerto Rico | U.S. territory, not a state |
| Guam | U.S. territory, not a state |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | U.S. territory, not a state |
| American Samoa | U.S. territory, not a state |
| Northern Mariana Islands | U.S. territory, not a state |
No. Washington, D.C. is the national capital of the United States, but it is not one of the 50 state capitals.
This is one of the most common geography mistakes. The United States has 50 states and 50 state capitals. Washington, D.C. is a federal district, not a state. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a state. Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are also U.S. territories, not states.
This is why the country has 50 state capitals, not 52. The 50 or 52 states confusion usually starts when people count Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico as states, even though neither is currently a U.S. state.
Best Way to Use This List for Study
For students, the easiest method is to study 10 states at a time. Start with the capitals you already know, then spend more time on the tricky ones.
For teachers and parents, the printable checklist works well as a simple review sheet. You can ask students to fill in the capital from memory, then use the main list above to check answers.
For quizzes, start by region. Cover the Northeast first, then the South, the Midwest, and the West. Once each region feels easier, mix all 50 states together.
Easiest Way to Memorize the 50 States and Capitals
The best way to learn all 50 states and capitals is to avoid memorizing the full table in one sitting.
Start with the capitals you probably already know:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Denver, Colorado
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Austin, Texas
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Then focus on the tricky ones:
- Albany, New York
- Sacramento, California
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Carson City, Nevada
- Olympia, Washington
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Springfield, Illinois
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Juneau, Alaska
- Frankfort, Kentucky
After that, break the rest into regions. Learn the Northeast first, then the South, the Midwest, and the West. This turns a long school-style list into a map you can picture.
A simple method:
- Learn 10 state-capital pairs per day.
- Review them the next morning.
- Group nearby states together.
- Say the state first, then the capital.
- Reverse the quiz and say the capital first.
The list becomes much easier when each capital connects to a real place, not just a word beside a state name.
10 Tricky State Capitals Quiz
Test yourself with these commonly confused state capitals before checking the answers.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the capital of New York? | Albany |
| What is the capital of California? | Sacramento |
| What is the capital of Florida? | Tallahassee |
| What is the capital of Nevada? | Carson City |
| What is the capital of Washington state? | Olympia |
| What is the capital of Pennsylvania? | Harrisburg |
| What is the capital of Illinois? | Springfield |
| What is the capital of Alaska? | Juneau |
| What is the capital of Kentucky? | Frankfort |
| What is the capital of Louisiana? | Baton Rouge |
These are the capitals people often miss because the state has another city with stronger name recognition.
Quick Facts About U.S. State Capitals
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total U.S. states | 50 |
| Total state capitals | 50 |
| National capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Largest state capital by population | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Smallest state capital by population | Montpelier, Vermont |
| Capital of California | Sacramento |
| Capital of New York | Albany |
| Capital of Texas | Austin |
| Capital of Florida | Tallahassee |
| Capital of Hawaii | Honolulu |
Population-based facts can change over time, but Phoenix is currently treated as the largest U.S. state capital by population, while Montpelier is widely recognized as the smallest.
Sources Checked
This guide was fact-checked using official and reference sources, including USAGov state government resources, U.S. Census QuickFacts population data, and current state capital reference material. USAGov provides official access to state and territory government information. U.S. Census data supports current population references, while state capital reference data supports the largest and smallest capital notes.
FAQ About the 50 States and Capitals
There are 50 state capitals in the United States. Each state has one official capital city.
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. It is the national capital, but it is not a state capital because Washington, D.C. is not a state.
There are 50 state capitals because there are 50 U.S. states. Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico are often part of the confusion, but they are not states.
No. Albany is the capital of New York. New York City is the largest and most famous city in the state, but it is not the capital.
No. Sacramento is the capital of California. Los Angeles is the state’s largest city, but California’s government is based in Sacramento.
The capital of Texas is Austin.
The capital of Florida is Tallahassee.
The capital of Washington state is Olympia. Seattle is the state’s best-known city, but it is not the capital.
Montpelier, Vermont, is widely recognized as the smallest U.S. state capital by population.
Phoenix, Arizona, is the largest U.S. state capital by population. It is also Arizona’s largest city.
Many capitals were chosen because of location, political compromise, early settlement patterns, or access at the time. That is why cities like Albany, Sacramento, Tallahassee, Carson City, and Olympia are capitals even though other cities in those states are more famous.
Yes. The list starts with Alabama and ends with Wyoming because it is ordered alphabetically. For studying, the checklist section is easier to use because you can mark each capital as you learn it.
Yes. The checklist section is designed for students, teachers, parents, spelling practice, homework review, and quiz preparation.
The easiest method is to learn them by region. Start with the capitals you already know, then focus on tricky ones like Albany, Sacramento, Tallahassee, Carson City, Olympia, and Harrisburg. After that, review 10 state-capital pairs per day.
Final Thoughts
The 50 states and capitals list becomes much easier once you stop guessing by famous cities. A capital is where the state government is based. It does not have to be the biggest city, the busiest airport, or the place travelers know first.
Albany, Sacramento, Tallahassee, Carson City, Olympia, and Harrisburg are usually the ones that confuse people first. Learn those tricky capitals, then move through the rest of the list by region. After that, the full 50 states and capitals are much easier to remember.
