Capricorn Compatibility: How the Earth Sign Pairs with Each Zodiac

From fellow earth signs like Taurus and Virgo to fire signs like Aries, here are the best and worst zodiac matches for Capricorn, according to astrologers

In astrology, numbers are everything. There are 12 zodiac signs, categorized by four elements (earth, fire, water and air) and divided into three different modalities (cardinal, fixed and mutable). Cardinal signs are the leaders of the zodiac — they’re often described as the big idea people — and each of the four cardinal signs ushers in the start of a new season.

Capricorn, which runs from Dec. 22 to Jan. 19, kicks off the start of the winter season. The earth sign is the tenth in the zodiac, sitting in between Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) and Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18). The tenth house represents social status and career aspirations.

On top of that, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, author and astrologer Bethany Nicole tells PEOPLE. Known as the “big daddy planet,” Saturn is “the keeper of our karma and protector of our dharma,” she says. It represents authority and governs our responsibilities and obligations.

Because of this, Capricorns can often appear harsh or overly critical of others. However, they are incredibly hard workers who hold themselves to equally high standards. They’re generally focused on finding success, celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE.

While that’s especially apparent when it comes to financial and career goals, it also shows up in their personal life. Capricorns want to build a strong, solid life for themselves, Thomas explains, so they tend to value long-term relationships and partnerships.

Capricorns may long for an ideal love, but not every star sign is a good match for them. Read on to learn more about Capricorn's compatibility with other zodiac signs.

What are the key traits of a Capricorn?

The first word that comes to mind when thinking of a Capricorn is hardworking, and for good reason.

“The sign is symbolized by the mountain goat carefully climbing a hill,” Charly King, astrologer and podcaster, tells PEOPLE. Thus, those born under this sign are often ambitious, determined and patient, she says, especially when creating their ideal future.

Capricorns may have lofty ambitions, Thomas says, but they’re not showy. Rather, they tend to be stoic, disciplined and reserved. As an earth sign, they’re naturally pragmatic people, so they’re more practical than emotional.

“They often intellectualize their emotions rather than feel them truly and deeply,” he says. Because of that, they can come across as cold or unemotional, Nicole adds.

Still, they’re relationship-oriented and interested in domesticity. “They tend to pursue monogamy more often than not,” Thomas explains.

Capricorns often make incredibly loyal and devoted partners, Nicole says. “They are the quintessential ‘acts of service’ love language,” she tells PEOPLE. “They express love in the form of a clean home, a steady job, paid bills, clean rain gutters, and all manner of practical matters.”

Which signs are Capricorns most compatible with?

In general, Capricorns will find their best match with fellow earth signs (Taurus and Virgo) or water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), Thomas tells PEOPLE.

“Earth signs share similar traits, such as stamina, practicality, work ethic, a focus on the material world, and loyalty,” he explains. Water signs, on the other hand, are typically known for their emotional depth and nurturing, caring nature, so they can provide a sense of balance.

Virgo 

According to Nicole, Capricorn is most compatible with fellow earth sign, Virgo, which she calls their “soulmate sign.”

“Both like order, boundaries, cleanliness, and regulations,” she says, adding that they each “thrive in relationships that are clearly defined.”

Since Capricorn and Virgo are from the same earth element, there’s a sense of ease and familiarity between them, King tells PEOPLE. They have similar values and desires, especially when it comes to their social image, she says, so they can form an easy connection.

Tom Hardy, a Virgo, and his Capricorn wife, Charlotte Riley, are a perfect example. The pair, who quietly wed in 2014, share two children.

Taurus 

Although Thomas agrees with the strong compatibility between Capricorn and Virgo, there’s one sign he believes may be an even better fit: Taurus. These two can balance each other out, he says, and create a long-lasting romance.

As another earth sign, Taurus is stable and sensual and has the same calm, grounded energy as Capricorn. In addition, Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, Nicole tells PEOPLE. Capricorns often express their love with gifts or acts of service, she explains, which makes them a fantastic match for luxury-loving Taurus.

But more than that, she says, these two signs are both interested in creating a strong foundation of love. Just look at Zooey Deschanel. The New Girl star is a classic Capricorn, while her fiancé, Jonathan Scott, is a Taurus.

Cancer 

Cancer is a highly sensitive water sign, while Capricorn is a stoic earth sign. At first glance, these two appear to have nothing in common, but in reality, they make an excellent pair.

“Capricorn is attracted to someone who is very nurturing and has a big focus on domesticity and the family,” says Thomas. Cancer fits that description to a T.

Authoritarian Capricorn is often seen as the father of the zodiac, whereas Cancer represents the mother archetype, Nicole tells PEOPLE, so they tend to work well together.

“These two signs are the ultimate patriarch and matriarch of the cosmos,” King adds. Although they are polar opposites, they create harmony in a relationship, representing a “perfect balance between home roots and exploration, achievement and rest,” she explains.

There are plenty of examples of well-matched Capricorn-Cancer couples in the spotlight, including Kate Middleton, a Capricorn, and Prince William, a Cancer. Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell – who are Capricorn and Cancer, respectively — are another great example.

Scorpio 

Scorpio is another water sign, but they actually have a lot in common with Capricorn. They’re both determined, ambitious and, “highly strategic,” says Thomas. “This is a very supportive connection, especially because both can be lovers as well as friends,” he explains.

Take Capricorn Orlando Bloom and Scorpio Katy Perry. The two have been engaged since 2019 and share one daughter together.

Like Capricorn, Scorpios make loyal and committed relationship partners, Nicole adds. As individuals, they both work hard to achieve their goals, so when they’re together, they can be the ultimate power couple. However, they also both have a tendency to hold grudges. “Capricorns are notorious for having a tough time forgiving,” she cautions, whereas Scorpios can lash out or become vindictive when upset. If they’re not careful, “old hurts can build up over time,” she says.

Which signs are Capricorns least compatible with?

As an earth sign, Capricorn tends to be least compatible with fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius) and air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius).

Fire signs are known for being bold, passionate and creative, while air signs are typically curious and social creatures, but both are free-spirited and action-oriented. Earth signs, on the other hand, are “more grounded, introverted and focused on taking their time to make decisions,” says Thomas.

Because of this, Capricorn may become easily frustrated with the spontaneity and assertiveness of a fire or air love interest.

Aries

Aries, a cardinal fire sign, has a lot in common with Capricorn. Both signs are independent, ambitious and strong leaders. However, Capricorn may find the bold, brash Aries off-putting, says Thomas.

On top of that, they’re also both incredibly stubborn and set in their ways. “Neither Aries nor Capricorn are prone to back down from confrontation, which usually leads to a lot of head-butting in relationships," Nicole explains.

Gemini

Spontaneous and cerebral, air signs can appear flaky, making them a tough match for the serious, responsible Capricorn. Gemini, in particular, is one of the least compatible signs, Thomas says. “While they could teach each other about intimacy, they find great difficulty seeing eye-to-eye,” he says.

King agrees. “Capricorn likes consistency and quality, and Gemini likes risk and variety,” she says. Geminis will likely find Capricorn partners too rigid and boring, whereas Capricorn may find Gemini too unreliable and impulsive.

Libra

Libra is another air sign that Capricorn may struggle to connect with. Although both value commitment, justice and loyalty, they wouldn't easily understand each other.

“Libra is very creative and free-thinking while Capricorn is more dedicated and hard-working,” Nicole says. “It would be like pairing an artist with an accountant.”

They tend to have different goals and desires, and more than that, they express their love in vastly different ways. That’s not to say that it would never work, she adds, just that they aren’t a natural fit.

What is Capricorn's compatibility with other signs?

Sagittarius

According to King, the fiery, fun-loving Sagittarius can be another difficult match for Capricorn. Where Capricorn craves structure, Sagittarius longs for freedom and spontaneity. “Their individual approaches to life can be triggering for each other,” she says.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re doomed to fail. In general, these two are seen as being pretty incompatible, says Nicole. “But in practice, I have seen them do fairly well together,” she tells PEOPLE. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of rules and responsibility, whereas Sagittarius is “the quintessential free spirit.”

These differences can easily create conflict in a relationship. On the other hand, they can help each other grow, find balance and learn moderation, she says. Sagittarius can help Capricorn loosen up, while Capricorn can help Sagittarius become more grounded and responsible.

Just look at John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. The Capricorn and Sagittarius couple have been married for over 10 years and share four children together.

Aquarius

Aquarius is another sign Capricorn can have mixed compatibility levels with.

Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn, whereas Aquarius is ruled by two planets: Uranus and Saturn. Because of their shared connection to Saturn, they do have some similar ground, Nicole tells PEOPLE. However, Saturn isn’t a highly emotional planet.

“Both signs are prone to avoidance of feelings,” Nicole explains, so in a relationship, they can have a hard time connecting emotionally. “[They can] wind up feeling more like business partners than romantic ones,” she says.

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