Ionic radius is calculated by measuring the distance between two ion nuclei according to their sizes. Cations have a smaller radius than their parent atoms due to electron loss increasing the effective nuclear charge. Anions have a larger radius than their parent atoms due to electron gain decreasing the effective nuclear charge. Ionic radius decreases across a period as proton number and effective nuclear charge increase, making the nucleus attract electrons more strongly. Ionic radius increases down a group as the energy level and shielding effect increase, weakening nuclear attraction.