Find the atomic number of the element
Determine the total number of electrons
Fill orbitals in order of increasing energy
Use the Aufbau principle
Follow the Pauli exclusion principle
Apply Hund’s rule for degenerate orbitals
Use orbital filling order:
1s
2s
2p
3s
3p
4s
3d
4p
5s
4d
5p
6s
4f
5d
6p
7s
5f
6d
7p
Write the electron configuration using superscripts for electron counts
Check for exceptions in some transition metals and heavier elements
Use noble gas shorthand if needed