The complexes formed by the Na+, K+, Rb+, Ca2+, UO2+2, and Ag+cations with the macrocyclic polyethers 18-crown-6, benzo-15-crown-5, and dicyclohexy1-18-crown-6 are investigated. The stability constants of these complexes have been determined potentiometrically in (90% vol.) ethanol-water solutions at 25[ddot]C and an ionic strength μ= 0.1 (achieved with tetrabuty lammonium perchlorate). The stablity of the investigated complexes was interpreted in terms of “caging” the metal cation into the cavity of the macrocyclic ligand, an effect which depends on the ratio of the diameter of the complexed cation over the diameter of the cavity of the complexing ligand.