English UsageComparison guide

Sulfur vs. Sulphur

Cambridge records “sulfur” and notes UK also “sulphur”; IUPAC’s English periodic-table spelling is “sulfur.”

Quick answer

“Sulfur” is IUPAC’s English element spelling and is widely used internationally; “sulphur” remains a documented UK variant in general English.

Key details

Confusion Familyregional-spelling
Rule Familyregional-orthography
Termssulfur, sulphur
Variant ScopeCambridge records “sulfur” and notes UK also “sulphur”; IUPAC’s English periodic-table spelling is “sulfur.”

Further guidance

Core difference

Use “sulfur” when following IUPAC/scientific nomenclature or a style that specifies it; “sulphur” remains a documented UK variant in general language.

Fast Test

Match the form to the intended meaning, regional convention, or required house style, then keep that choice consistent.

Variant Boundary

A standards-body spelling preference does not make every occurrence of the documented UK variant an ordinary-language error.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Sulfur — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Sulfur element name with UK also sulphur
  2. Sulphur — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · UK spelling variant of sulfur
  3. Periodic Table — IUPAC (opens in a new tab)IUPAC · IUPAC English element spellings include sulfur and aluminium

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