Cherkasy (Ukrainian: Черкаси, pronounced [tʃerˈkɑsɪ] ^ⓘ) is a city in central Ukraine. Cherkasy serves as the administrative centre of Cherkasy Oblast as well as Cherkasy Raion within the oblast. The city has a population of 269,836 (2022 estimate).

Cherkasy is the cultural, educational and industrial centre of Cherkasy Oblast and Ukraine's Central Economic Region [uk]. Known since the 13th century, Cherkasy has played a great role in the history of Ukraine. The city was the centre of the land of the Cossacks; its citizens took part in the Khmelnychchyna and Koliivshchyna Cossack and peasant rebellions.

The city is located on the right bank of Dnieper River, about 200 km (124 mi) south of the nation's capital, Kyiv. In June 2011, the city celebrated its 725th anniversary.

Cherkasy is situated on the high right bank of the Dnipro River, in the middle of the Kremenchuk Reservoir. Relief of the historical part of the city was influenced by Zamkova (Castle) Mountain [uk], where Cherkasy Castle was situated. The major part of Cherkasy occurs as lowlands.

The city occupies an area of 69 km² (26.6 sq mi). The city's length is 17 km (10.56 mi) along the Kremenchuk Reservoir, while its widest point is only 8 km (4.97 mi).

From the north-west, Cherkasy is surrounded by forest. Known as Cherkasy Forest, it is the biggest (28,500 hectares or 70,400 acres) natural pine forest in Ukraine.

Cherkasy is divided into 2 urban districts: Prydniprovskyi District and Sosnivskyi District, which includes the village of Orshanets [uk]. It hosts the administration of Cherkasy urban hromada, one of the hromadas of Ukraine.

The climate of Cherkasy is mild continental, with mild winters and warm summers.