Cancer Compatibility: Your Least Compatible Zodiac Signs

Written by Stina Garbis | Edited by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: July 26, 2024

Protective, caring, and devoted, Cancers want nothing more than to love and be loved in return. But which partner is the best (and worst!) match for the tender-hearted crab? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve ranked Cancer’s overall compatibility with all 12 zodiac signs going from least compatible to most compatible. Keep reading to see what’s written in the stars for you or another Moonchild in your life.

This article is based on an interview with our psychic astrologer, Stina Garbis, owner of Psychic Stina. Check out the full interview here.

1

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

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A little patience can go a long way with this contrasting duo. The bold ram and the sentimental crab approach romantic relationships at completely different speeds. Much like their patron element, the passionate Aries wants to turn up the heat and intimacy right away, while Cancers prefer to build up intimacy gradually. This can lead to some miscommunication and hurt feelings if both signs aren’t careful.^{[1]
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- Compatibility Tip: Sit down together and discuss what you both want out of the relationship. Give each other a chance to speak openly, so you can both be on the same page.

2

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 1)

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The adventurous Sag and the domestic Cancer may have different priorities. Cancers are the ultimate homebodies of the zodiac and crave nothing more than calm, domestic bliss with their partner. Sagittariuses, on the other hand, burn with a sense of adventure and a desire to chase new horizons. The archer isn’t known for their commitment skills, either.
- Compatibility Tip: Be willing to meet in the middle when you spend time together! A fun weekend trip can satisfy a Sagittarian’s insatiable wanderlust, while a movie night at home will definitely appeal to a Cancer.

3

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

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Aquarians and Cancers approach life from separate, unique perspectives. Cancers prefer to take the steady, safe road, while Aquarians will always prefer the road less traveled. The emotionally-rooted crab likes to follow their heart, while the intellectual Aquarius prefers to follow their mind. Without plenty of open conversations and compromises, these differences can drive a wedge in the relationship.
- Compatibility Tip: Try to find something in common with Aquarius! Adopt some interests and hobbies that they enjoy, whether that’s playing video games or going to the same sci-fi convention. You can even find out where they shop and hit up that place.

4

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

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Independent Gemini and devoted Cancer don’t always see eye-to-eye. Geminis are free-spirited and aren’t big on commitment—in fact, you could argue that they change their mind about lovers more often than they change their underwear! Cancers want nothing more than a committed partnership, which is hard to find with this mutable air sign.
- Compatibility Tip: Give Geminis plenty of wiggle room in their day-to-day life. This sign hates nothing more than being boxed in.

5

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

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Libras are ruled by the mind, while Cancers follow their hearts. Moon-ruled Cancers aren’t afraid to really feel their feelings and take a deep dive to what lies beneath the surface. Libras don’t share the same subterranean approach to emotion, and prefer to keep their emotional affairs as calm and level as possible.^{[2]
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- Compatibility Tip: Make small gestures to meet each other’s emotional needs. A big hug after a rough day can mean a lot to a Cancer, while a Libra might appreciate some breathing room as they handle tough emotions.

6

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

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This water-fire duo can learn how to complement each other. Both of these signs are deeply plugged into their emotions, which can push the relationship to the dramatic end of the spectrum.^{[3]
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Research source} Still, Leo is the most affectionate sign of the zodiac, and is not afraid to show their love in friendly, generous ways. This is great for Cancers, who love to be loved.
- Compatibility Tip: Both partners need to hold themselves accountable in the relationship. Leos and Cancers can both be a bit dramatic, and a grounded, intrinsic perspective can go a long way.

7

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

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A dual Cancer relationship draws its strength from a mutual understanding. You’ll get no lack of emotional intimacy and support when 2 Cancers start to hook up, that’s for sure! Unfortunately, the depths of those emotions can cause some hiccups if the non-confrontational crabs aren’t willing to share their feelings in an open, assertive way.
- Compatibility Tip: Focus on finding healthy ways to express your emotions in the moment. In some cases, that might mean taking a 20-minute timeout in another room. In other cases, it might mean counting to 10 before saying the first thing on your mind.

8

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

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Capricorns and Cancers share a steady, devoted sense of commitment. These signs are total opposites on the zodiac wheel, yet both share similar priorities in a relationship. Cancers are known for being domestic, affectionate, and devoted to their partners.^{[4]
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Research source} While not “mushy,” Capricorns care deeply about the close people in their life, and will look for practical ways to care for them.
- Compatibility Tip: Ask Capricorn for small favors, like giving you a ride or helping with some small household “emergency.” They will automatically hope that you are okay, and you will end up on their worry list.

9

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

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Virgos and Cancers approach life in similar ways. Cancers can be on the shy, introverted side before they really warm and open up to the people in their life—just like a crab hiding in its shell!^{[5]
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Research source} Virgos approach life from a similar frame of mind, and are very careful and cautious. Both signs can stay grounded in their own way, which can lead to a very harmonious relationship.
- Compatibility Tip: Virgos like honesty, availability, and cleanliness. Really try to embody those traits as you approach and get closer to a Virgo in your life.

10

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

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The fish and the crab are naturally compatible. Pisces are known for their empathetic and supportive nature, which can be a great solace to the emotionally-driven Cancer. Both signs know how to comfort and uplift the other, and are always available to listen and support their partner.
- Compatibility Tip: Pisces and Cancer are not known for being the most direct and straightforward with their feelings. Open, honest communication can go a long way!

11

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

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This compatible combo is practically written in the stars. Few signs respect and appreciate Cancer’s domesticity like the grounded, family-oriented bull. Both Taureans and Cancers appreciate the little things in life, and are more than happy to hang out in each other’s company.
- Compatibility Tip: Make it as easy as possible for a Taurus to be with you. Find reasons to bring them things, or be helpful to them in some way to where they’ll need or want your help again.

12

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

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These water signs are basically soulmates. Cancers experience their feelings to the deepest level, and Scorpios are right there with them. This emotional understanding and intensity builds an unbreakable bedrock for their relationship, creating a partnership that can last for years and years to come.
- Compatibility Tip: Be accountable and upfront with a Scorpio! If you’re really trustworthy and solid, Scorpio will learn to relax around you.
- Reader Poll: We asked 457 wikiHow readers who are Scorpios what type of relationship they look for, and 64% of them said one that’s committed, serious, and long-term. [Take Poll] Cancer feels the same way, making them a perfect match.

Learn How to Date a Cancer with this Expert Series

Cancers are a complex mix of loyalty, romance, and dynamism. It can take patience to attract a Cancer, but it's absolutely worth it. This expert series will help you date the Cancer of your dreams.