Are you a Cancer and wondering which signs you're most compatible with? Or maybe you want to get to know a certain Cancer better, but you're not sure how strong of a match you two will be? This guide explains everything you need to know about Cancer compatibility, including what Cancers need in a match, how compatible each sign is with Cancers, and how Cancers can strengthen their relationships with others (as well as how others can strengthen their relationships with Cancers)!
What Qualities Make a Good Match for a Cancer?
What is Cancer compatible with? Cancers highly appreciate these three qualities in any relationship, whether it's for love, friendship, or work.
#1: Loyalty
Cancers are ultra-loyal. Even if you've had disagreements with them in the past, they'll still be there for you when times get tough. Cancers prefer small, intimate groups of friends, and, although they don't make new friends that easily, they'll do whatever they can to keep things strong with the people who are already in their inner circle. Cancers don't appreciate flightiness or non-commitment, and they'll be deeply hurt if you cancel plans with them, even if you have a good reason.
#2: Kindness
Cancers are incredibly kind, to the point of sacrificing their own happiness to please others. However, they also expect this in return from other people. If a Cancer gets the feeling that you're being selfish or arrogant, they'll automatically put distance between the two of you. If you're thoughtful and generous though, they'll see a kindred spirit.
#3: Honesty
Cancers don't like to hurt others' feelings, but they're also not afraid to tell it like it is. They're firm believers that honesty is the best policy, even when it can be difficult to say. They have a strong dislike for lying, even if other signs see it as a harmless white lie or a simple way to keep the peace. Neither of those excuses flies with Cancers (especially if you're looking for a Cancer love match).
What Qualities Make a Bad Match for a Cancer?
It's also important to know what traits hurt Cancer zodiac compatibility. Cancers won't appreciate either of these qualities in their relationships:
#1: Overly Logical
Cancers are one of the most intuitive signs. If they're trying to solve a problem, they'll often go with whatever immediately "feels" best to them, rather than trying to do a more rational analysis of the problem. This can drive more logical signs, like Capricorn and Taurus, crazy because Cancers often don't have a lot of reasons for making the choices they do. However, Cancers aren't impulsive, and they do make an effort to be thoughtful in their decisions, so they often land on the right solution, anyway.
#2: Flakiness
It doesn't matter if you just got front row seats to that concert you've been dying to see; if you have to cancel plans with a Cancer for whatever reason, they'll be hurt. After all, they'll always keep their plans with you, no matter what else comes up. Develop a reputation for flakiness, and you'll soon see Cancer's famous vindictive streak rear its ugly head. To them, loyalty and commitment trump all else.
Cancer Compatibility Chart
What are the best and worst Cancer compatibility signs? This Cancer zodiac compatibility chart gives a quick overview of how compatible Cancers are with different signs in several areas, including overall compatibility. Each is ranked either high, medium, or low. In the next section, we go over in more detail different Cancer compatibility pairings.
| Communication | Love | Friendship | Overall Compatibility | |
| Aquarius | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Pisces | High | Medium | High | High |
| Aries | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Taurus | Medium | High | High | High |
| Gemini | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| Cancer | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
| Leo | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Virgo | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Libra | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
| Scorpio | Medium | High | High | High |
| Sagittarius | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Capricorn | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Cancer and Other Signs: Cancer Compatibility Pairings
Who is Cancer most compatible with? Learn how well different signs get along with Cancers, and which areas they'll bond over (and which will lead to disagreement). These pairings are ranked from Cancer most compatible signs to least compatible signs.
Best Cancer Compatible Signs
The signs below are each high-ranking Cancer compatible signs. If you're a Cancer, expect to get along especially well with these signs.
Cancer and Taurus
Both Cancers and Taureans highly prize loyalty, so they'll be committed to each other for the long haul. Although Cancers can get annoyed with Taureans stubbornness, and Taureans can find Cancers moody, this pair still forms deep bonds because of their honesty, kindness, and loyalty.
Cancer and Pisces
Because they are both water signs, both Cancer and Pisces are highly in-tune with their feelings, as well as the feelings of others. As a pair, they're kind and thoughtful to each other, although Pisces can sometimes feel that Cancers are overly vindictive, and Cancers feel Pisces don't open up enough. But, in general, these disagreements are rare.
Cancer and Scorpio
These two water signs are super alike. Both Cancers and Scorpios are loyal, honest, and tend to feel their emotions very strongly. This pairing will understand each other well, but when there's conflict, it can mean some messy fights before things get straightened out (which they always do).
Average Cancer Compatible Signs
Cancer compatibility can go either way with these pairings, and the relationship really depends on the effort you and the other sign put into it.
Cancer and Virgo
These two really complement each other. Virgo's steadiness can help Cancers be less moody, and Cancers' tendency to "go with their gut" can help stop Virgos from overthinking everything they do. Both signs are also known for being loyal and thoughtful to others.
Cancer and Cancer
When two Cancers are together, things generally go pretty well. They get along particularly well in relationships and as close friends because of their mutual empathetic and generous characteristics. Communication can be difficult at times though as Cancers can be moody and easily hurt.
Cancer and Sagittarius
Cancer and Sagittarius are great together...in certain circumstances. Both signs are creative, honest, and generous, but Sagittarius can have a serious problem committing. This often causes a lot of hurt for super-loyal Cancers.
Cancer and Leo
Cancer and Leo have about average compatibility. Both are extremely generous with others, but Cancers can find Leos to be arrogant and selfish, and Leos can see Cancers as moody and vengeful.
Weaker Cancer Compatible Signs
Extra effort is needed when Cancers pair with the signs below. That doesn't mean these sign pairings can never get along; they just need to recognize and work through their differences to reach a high level of compatibility with Cancers.
Cancer and Capricorn
It's possible that a Cancer/Capricorn pairing will be an example of opposites attracting, but, in most cases, these two signs don't get along all that well. Their similarities (pessimism and emotional distance) tend to bring out the worst in each other. Capricorns can get fed up with Cancers' moodiness, while Cancers can dismiss Capricorns as dull workaholics. However, neither is afraid of hard work, so if they really want to make this relationship happen, it's definitely possible if both put in the effort.
Cancer and Gemini
Cancer and Gemini can have a lot of fun together because they're both smart and like being around others though. However, while Cancers are very committed to the people they care about, Gemini are known for being unreliable. This can create conflict and ill will when Cancers are accused of being clingy and Gemini are accused of being flaky.
Cancer and Libra
Cancers and Libra both care deeply about others, which they'll need to remind themselves of when these two signs inevitably disagree. Cancers are often tempestuous, and they can be vindictive and greedy when they are trying to get their way. This contrasts strongly with Libras' desire for fairness and calm.
Cancer and Aquarius
It's tough for these two to get on. Aquarius are independent and analytical, while Cancer can get very emotional attached and rely more on their intuition. Both care about fairness and equality, but it's hard for them to see eye-to-eye because they pursue these values in different ways.
Cancer and Aries
Cancers can be deeply offended by Aries' love of jumping from one thing to another and see it as a sign of disloyalty, while Aries are just trying to have fun. Additionally, both of these signs can be highly emotional, which can create some real blowout fights.
What Does This Mean for Cancers?
As a Cancer, you care a lot about all other people, but you may not get along well with many of them. To improve your relationships, keep these tips in mind:
#1: Be Open to Meeting New People
You can't make new friends if you aren't open to meeting new people. We know Cancers love their small, longtime group of friends, but that doesn't mean you should close yourself off to the possibility of meeting someone new. They don't immediately need to be your bestie, but by being open to friendly overtures, even if it's just a quick chat at work or the gym, you'll give yourself the opportunity to have positive social interactions even when your friends aren't around. And who knows, you might meet someone great enough to let into your inner circle.
#2: Say What You Feel
As a Cancer, you're used to understanding people at a glance and knowing just what they need to feel happier. It can be frustrating when other signs don't reciprocate this, but remember that most people aren't as intuitive as you are. If you're unhappy about something in a relationship, it's important to speak up. Pushing your emotions down will only create further unhappiness down the road.
#3: Forgive Cancellations
We know how much you hate it when others cancel plans, but try to understand that it's rarely a reflection on how they feel about you. Sometimes something else just comes up, or people change what they're in the mood for. It's fine (and healthy!) for you to express your disappointment when this happens, but don't let one cancellation ruin an important relationship.
What Does This Mean for People Who Want a Connection With a Cancer?
If you're hoping to date a Cancer, befriend one, or just communicate at work or school with Cancers, follow the tips below to keep everyone happy.
#1: Consider Their Needs
You likely know that the Cancer in your life will bend over backwards to make you happy. This can include listening when you have a problem, giving you amazing advice, and generally just always being there for you. Cancers seem to manage these things so easily that it's easy to forget how much effort they put into maintaining their relationships. A Cancer will be reluctant to say it outright, but many wish others put the same time and energy into relationships with them. You can be one of these people! Regularly ask yourself what you could do to make the Cancer in your life happier, whether it's a big or small thing. Also, ask them outright what they need. Cancers aren't the most open of signs, but when asked a direct question, they're honest about how they're feeling.
#2: Choose Activities They'd Enjoy
To make the people they care about happy, Cancers will agree to almost anything, even if it's not really their jam. Therefore, if you want to boost your Cancer zodiac compatibility, it's important to regularly suggest activities you know that Cancers will like. Think: small groups of friends, something that allows them to express or appreciate creativity (like painting or visiting a museum), and/or something that brings up good memories (Cancers love nostalgia).
What's Next?
Looking for compatibility information for other signs? We've written up similar analyses for Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces, Taurus, and many more!
Want to learn more about the Cancer zodiac sign? We have that too! Learn the 7 fundamental Cancer traits and get to know the crab sign better.
Got questions about zodiac signs—besides Cancer? Then check out our complete collection of individual zodiac sign guides. Whether you're a Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, or Gemini, we've got you covered!
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Holly R.