Britannica Sources used in this answer

Where are metals located in the periodic table?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Periodic table of the elements with color-coded categories and labeled element groups, showing atomic numbers, symbols, and basic information for each chemical element. — periodic table Modern version of the periodic table of the elements. To learn an element's name, atomic number, electron configuration, atomic weight, and more, select one from the table.

In the periodic table, metals are located on the left side and in the center of the table.1

These metallic elements are categorized into specific groups based on their position and properties:

Representative metals: These include the elements found in Group 1 and Group 2.1
Transition metals: These are located in the center of the periodic table, spanning Groups 3 through 12.12
Special classes: The lanthanoids and actinoids are considered special classes of transition metals and are typically displayed below the main body of the periodic table.1

While metals constitute the majority of all elements, the division between metals and nonmetals—which are primarily located in the upper right-hand corner—is approximate. Elements situated along the dividing line that exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic properties are known as metalloids.1