Cancer Compatibility: Best & Worst Matches for Cancer Zodiac Signs

For some, astrology is hocus pocus. For others, it plays a key role in selecting a suitable partner. After all, finding romance is no easy feat. Why not look to birth charts for additional support and guidance? Sensitive Cancer — and anyone with their sights set on this emotional water sign — would be wise to do just that. Here’s a look at Cancer compatibility, from best to worst matches.

What You Need to Know About Cancer Compatibility

To start, let’s settle the basics: In astrology, moon-ruled Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. It governs the period from June 22 to July 22. Its representation as a Crab (though, sometimes a crayfish or lobster) corresponds to the giant crab in Greek mythology that pinched Heracles while he was fighting the Lernaean hydra. Crushed by the Greek demi-god, the Crab was rewarded by Heracles’ enemy, jealous Hera, with a position in the heavens. 

Element: Water

Quality: Cardinal Sign

Ruler: Moon

Symbol: Crab

Color: Green, Blue, White

Famous Personalities: Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep

Deeply intuitive and sentimental, this oceanic crustacean can be one of the most challenging zodiac signs to get to know. They are emotional and sensitive, as well as extremely self-protective. Much like their celestial symbol, Cancers are shielded by hard, external shells. That said, the fact that they guard their hearts doesn’t mean they don’t want love. With the right person — or zodiac sign — a relationship with the compassionate Crab is one that can last a lifetime. Here are some of the best — and worst — matches for Cancers. 

Worst: Aries (March 21 — April 19)

Mercury-ruled Aries and Moon-ruled Cancer are nothing alike. The fiery Ram is spontaneous, adventurous, and driven by their desires and ambitions, whereas the fluid Crab is nurturing, emotional, and all about home and family. This pairing tends to clash, but with a few changes to their behavior, a relationship could work. The two zodiac signs need to be serious about each other in order to establish and maintain a lasting partnership. 

Best: Taurus (April 20 — May 21)

Cancer and Taurus are two zodiac signs that are made for each other. In fact, they are among the most compatible signs. The down-to-earth Bull loves to eat, and the nurturing Crab loves to cook. Cancer loves to stay at home, and Taurus loves to make that home a beautiful and harmonious place. Plus, both signs are traditional and family-oriented, which makes them more likely to stay together. In short, when these two love birds flock together, it’s a match made in heaven.  

Best: Gemini (May 21 — June 20)

At first glance, the oceanic Crab and celestial Twins couldn’t be more different. But there’s more to this astrological duo than meets the eye. Since Cancer follows Gemini on the zodiac wheel, these signs have an innate attraction to each other. That said, the shy nature of the Crab coupled with the Twins’ need for clear and uninhibited communication can sometimes cause problems. Cancer zodiac signs also need constant reassurance from their partners — a trait that could be viewed with apprehension by Gemini.  

Best: Cancer (June 21 — July 22)

A Crab-Crab match makes for a deeply devoted pairing comprising endless loyalty and devotion. Like a soap opera, this relationship involves tears, angst, and big emotions co-mingling with affection, tenderness, and sweet declarations of love. After all, Cancers are highly sensitive and emotional water signs. Despite the dramatics, no one really understands the depth of this zodiac’s emotions more than a fellow Crab. That’s why this love match is one that has what it takes to go the distance.   

Best: Leo (July 23 — August 22)

Moon-ruled Cancer and Sun-ruled Leo are two signs that have big feelings, which can make for a solid relationship when both zodiac signs engage in healthy communication. The fiery Lion won’t be shy in showing how they feel — and although the timid Crab may be a bit more guarded and reserved at first, their body language will be a clear giveaway. These two lovers fall fast, and when they come together as romantic partners, they’re in it for the long haul. As long as Cancer appreciates Leo’s brutal honesty and Leo nurtures Cancer as much as Cancer nurtures them, the stars will align for this pairing.  

Best: Virgo (August 23 — September 22)

Despite Cancer’s cardinal water sign and the young Maiden’s mutable earth sign, these two zodiac signs are different in ways that don’t create conflict. While the Crab actively seeks to protect and care for their loved ones, Virgos are “acts of service” folks. Both zodiac signs like to be productive: the water sign in an emotional way and the earth sign in a logical way. These different but complementary behaviors make this relationship harmonious and sustainable. 

Worst: Libra (September 23 — October 22)

Despite the natural attraction between these two zodiac signs when they first meet, a Cancer-Libra relationship isn’t one that’s particularly strong. The just Scales will think their lover’s expectations of a romantic relationship are unrealistic, and the celestial Crab will find the charming air sign too untrustworthy for commitment. Cancer requires deep, meaningful conversations with their partner before going all in. On the flip side, Libra wants to flirt first and develop an emotional connection later. The bottom line is that these two have completely different ideas of what intimacy means, which is why they’re not an ideal match.  

Best: Scorpio (October 23 — November 21)  

Cancer is gentle, emotional, sensitive, and intuitive. Scorpio is seductive, assertive, and passionate. While the two zodiac signs are quite different, the Crab and Scorpion make a perfect love match. Emotionally, intellectually, and physiologically — they are linked. And once a bond is formed, the relationship is one that lasts. 

Worst: Sagittarius (November 22 — December 21)

The cosmic Archer is an extroverted, gregarious, and loud fire sign. The celestial Crab, on the other hand, is an introverted, caring, and compassionate water sign. While it’s true opposites sometimes attract, this is not the case here. Of course, if the two zodiac signs can mitigate their negative qualities, the combination is workable. 

Best: Capricorn (December 22 — January 19)

Are you a Crab looking for a relationship that’s sincere, loyal, and enduring? Find yourself a Sea Goat. Capricorns are ruled by Saturn, which is all about responsibility, selflessness, and discipline. While the Crab brings out the softer and more emotional side of the earthy Sea Goat, the latter returns security and stability to the go-with-the-flow Crab. In short, this may not seem like a duo that can work, but somehow, it does.  

Worst: Aquarius (January 20 — February 18)

When you take a distant Water Bearer and pair it with a needy Crab, anything BUT magic is sure to happen. After all, with water and air, you get chaos — usually in the form of a hurricane. Still, hard work and patience could create balance between these two zodiac signs. Just expect a bumpy road ahead. 

Best: Pisces (February 19 — March 20)

When the cosmic Crab and celestial Fish come together, things just click. Not only are these two water signs instantly physically attracted to one another, they also quickly connect on a deep emotional level. Plus, both zodiac signs are highly intuitive, so they’re in tune with the relationship. With love, care, and support, there’s no limit to the romantic depths of this beautiful pairing. 

Summing It Up

Worried that your significant other isn’t a love match? Don’t fret too much — your sun sign is one small part of a much bigger picture. There’s no way of knowing whether your love is meant to be without looking at your whole birth chart (houses and all), and even then, your heart should always be your guide.