A X-ray single crystal diffraction comparative study of Co-Sn containing barium M-type and R-type ferrites, which consist of ...SRS*R*..., and ...RR*... stackings, respectively, is reported. X-ray diffraction does not permit the distinction between Fe and Co, but Sn site occupancies can be univocally determined for the different crystallographic sites. As expected, Sn4+ cations only enter the octahedral sites and a pronounced occupational hierarchy within them is established. The observed cation site selectivity may be correlated with the magnetic behaviour of these compounds. Furthermore, the calculation of apparent valencies allows to estimate the location of Co2+ cations.