Contacts not syncing between ipad and macbook pro

I added some new contacts on my iPad and set up a list. Neither the new contacts or the list appear on my MacBook Pro contacts. I have tried syncing by connecting them by cable and also gone onto the iCloud. In the end I have had to put them all in in my contacts on the MacBook again and make the list again. The new list I made on the MacBook does not appear on my phone or iPad. I have turned everything off and everything on again. What is going on? I would welcome some help on this.