Find the atomic number of the element
Determine the total number of electrons
Use the Aufbau order
Fill orbitals in this order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p
Apply the Pauli exclusion principle
Apply Hund’s rule
Write the electron configuration using superscripts
Use noble gas shorthand if needed
Check that the total electrons match the atomic number
Adjust for ions by adding or removing electrons from the highest energy level first