There are 50 states in the United States. No, not 52; I see that this is a popular question with several thousands of searches every month. There are 52 playing cards in a pack if that’s where your confusion is coming from!
There are 50 states, just like there are 50 stars on the American flag. Count them on the map below if you don’t believe me.
United States map
The 50 states list
Here is a list of the 50 states in alphabetical order, with their abbreviations and their state capitals.
| State Name | State Abbreviations | State Capitals |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | AL | Montgomery |
| Alaska | AK | Juneau |
| Arizona | AZ | Phoenix |
| Arkansas | AR | Little Rock |
| California | CA | Sacramento |
| Colorado | CO | Denver |
| Connecticut | CT | Hartford |
| Delaware | DE | Dover |
| Florida | FL | Tallahassee |
| Georgia | GA | Atlanta |
| Hawaii | HI | Honolulu |
| Idaho | ID | Boise |
| Illinois | IL | Springfield |
| Indiana | IN | Indianapolis |
| Iowa | IA | Des Moines |
| Kansas | KS | Topeka |
| Kentucky | KY | Frankfort |
| Louisiana | LA | Baton Rouge |
| Maine | ME | Augusta |
| Maryland | MD | Annapolis |
| Massachusetts | MA | Boston |
| Michigan | MI | Lansing |
| Minnesota | MN | Saint Paul |
| Mississippi | MS | Jackson |
| Missouri | MO | Jefferson City |
| Montana | MT | Helena |
| Nebraska | NE | Lincoln |
| Nevada | NV | Carson City |
| New Hampshire | NH | Concord |
| New Jersey | NJ | Trenton |
| New Mexico | NM | Santa Fe |
| New York | NY | Albany |
| North Carolina | NC | Raleigh |
| North Dakota | ND | Bismarck |
| Ohio | OH | Columbus |
| Oklahoma | OK | Oklahoma City |
| Oregon | OR | Salem |
| Pennsylvania | PA | Harrisburg |
| Rhode Island | RI | Providence |
| South Carolina | SC | Columbia |
| South Dakota | SD | Pierre |
| Tennessee | TN | Nashville |
| Texas | TX | Austin |
| Utah | UT | Salt Lake City |
| Vermont | VT | Montpelier |
| Virginia | VA | Richmond |
| Washington | WA | Olympia |
| West Virginia | WV | Charleston |
| Wisconsin | WI | Madison |
| Wyoming | WY | Cheyenne |
Download a printable list of the 50 states.
How to memorize the 50 states
There are several ways to memorize the 50 states in the US.
YouTube
One way to remember state names is to listen to songs or explanations on YouTube. Many have found success by repeatedly singing the state names with their kids.
Songs for learning the state names:
I also found this clever video which seems like an effective way for adult learners to memorize the states (me, included!):
Use worksheets to aid learning
Worksheets require learners to actively participate in the learning process by solving problems, answering questions, or labeling diagrams. This hands-on approach improves focus and boosts information retention.
Repetition is key to mastering new skills. Worksheets offer a structured way for learners to practice concepts repeatedly, helping them solidify their understanding over time.
Fill in the information as you learn with our learning aid: U.S. States & Capitals Kit.
Turn geography into a fun and rewarding experience! 🌎 Get your free PDF copy.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.