Abstract: Provided is a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) symbol mapping method and apparatus for downstream transmission of a cable modem. The method includes the steps of: determining phase information on the basis of predetermined relations between two bits representing set partitioning information and two LSBs (Least Significant Bits) of bits representing amplitude information, among bits input for QAM symbol mapping; separating I and Q signals of a first quadrant from the bits representing the amplitude information; and mapping the I and Q signals of the first quadrant to actual positions on the basis of the determined phase information.