What Is the Abbreviation for California?
The standard abbreviation for California is CA. This page explains why California uses CA, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for California?
California's abbreviation is CA. You may also see Calif. in older writing, but CA is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
CA is used for California in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and most databases.
Why California Uses CA
California's USPS abbreviation is CA.
USPS has used CA for California since 1963. The older abbreviation Calif. still appears in some older publications, but CA is the standard postal form today.
Old Abbreviation for California
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For California, that older style was usually Calif..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is CA. If someone searches for old abbreviation for California, the practical answer is to recognize Calif. and use CA in current writing and addresses.
How to Write California in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
CA Compared With Similar State Codes
CA is sometimes checked against Colorado (CO) and Connecticut (CT), especially in alphabetical lists of C-state abbreviations.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with California and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
California belongs to the West region. Its capital is Sacramento, and its postal code CA is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
California entered the Union on September 9, 1850.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for California?
The standard USPS abbreviation for California is CA.
What is the postal abbreviation for California?
CA is the two-letter postal abbreviation for California. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate California?
Abbreviate California as CA in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is California abbreviated CA?
California's USPS abbreviation is CA.
What does CA stand for?
CA stands for California in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for California?
Older editorial styles often wrote California as Calif.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is CA.
How do you write a California mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code CA, then the ZIP Code. For example: Sacramento, CA 00000.
What state is CA?
CA is the postal abbreviation for California, located in the West region. The capital is Sacramento.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know CA stands for California, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.