SG StateGuess.com
States and capitals ← All game modes

State capitals quiz

Match U.S. states and capitals in either direction. Play a clean ten-question round, then switch to reverse or mixed mode.

Mode rules
  • Ten questions per round.
  • Classic, reverse, and mixed directions.
  • State names and abbreviations work in reverse mode.

How to Play the State Capitals Quiz

The State Capitals Quiz challenges your knowledge of the political centers of the United States. In each round of 10 questions, you'll be tested on your ability to match states with their capital cities.

Game Modes

  • Classic Mode: We give you the name of the state (e.g., "Washington"), and you must type the name of its capital city ("Olympia").
  • Reverse Mode: We give you the capital city (e.g., "Sacramento"), and you must name the state ("California").
  • Mixed Mode: The ultimate test! The game alternates randomly between giving you the state and giving you the capital.

The "Biggest City" Trap

One of the main reasons people struggle with state capitals is the assumption that the capital is always the largest or most famous city. For example, the capital of New York is Albany (not New York City). The capital of Washington is Olympia (not Seattle). The capital of Illinois is Springfield (not Chicago). Keep this in mind when you're stuck!