On the periodic table, which group contains the noble gases?

On the periodic table, the noble gases are in Group 18.

Group 18 is the far-right column of the modern periodic table. Its members include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon, and oganesson. Their outer electron shells are filled, which generally gives them very low chemical reactivity.

The name noble gas reflects their reluctance to form compounds, although the term does not mean that they are completely incapable of reacting. Compounds of xenon and some other noble gases are known, while oganesson is expected to have unusual behavior because of its very large nucleus.

Noble gases are not the same as halogens, which occupy Group 17 and are highly reactive nonmetals. Argon is used in welding and light bulbs, helium in cryogenics, and neon in illuminated signs. Group numbers may differ in older systems, but Group 18 is the current standard designation.