Your numerology Life Path Number comes from adding every digit of your birth date down to a single digit, unless you reach the master numbers 11, 22 or 33. Born on 17 May 1990: 1+7+0+5+1+9+9+0 = 32, then 3+2 = 5, so the Life Path Number is 5. Name numbers come from the letter sum in the Pythagorean system.
What is numerology?
Numerology (numerologie in Dutch) is the belief that numbers carry symbolic meaning and say something about character and life path. The Western version follows the Pythagorean system, which gives every letter a number from 1 to 9: A=1, B=2 up to I=9, then J=1 again. There is no scientific evidence that numerology predicts anything, but many people enjoy it as a playful way to reflect on themselves.
How to calculate the Life Path Number
The Life Path Number is the best known. Add all the digits of your birth date and keep reducing until one digit remains. For 17-05-1990 that is 1 + 7 + 0 + 5 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 32, then 3 + 2 = 5. If you hit 11, 22 or 33 along the way, you stop: these are master numbers with special meaning. The calculator does it for you and also shows the day, month and year numbers.
The name numbers
- Expression (Destiny) Number: the sum of all letters in your full name, said to show how you express yourself.
- Soul Urge Number: vowels only (a, e, i, o, u), your inner motivations.
- Personality Number: consonants only, the impression you make on others.
What the numbers mean
| Number | Keywords |
|---|---|
| 1 | leader, independent, resourceful |
| 2 | cooperative, diplomatic, sensitive |
| 3 | creative, expressive, sociable |
| 4 | practical, reliable, organised |
| 5 | adventurous, adaptable, freedom-loving |
| 6 | caring, responsible, harmonious |
| 7 | analytical, introspective, seeking |
| 8 | ambitious, business-minded, powerful |
| 9 | humanitarian, open-minded, idealistic |
| 11, 22, 33 | master numbers: intuition, building, teaching |
A sober look
The descriptions are so general that almost anyone recognises themselves in them, a effect known as the Barnum effect. Treat numerology as a game or a prompt for reflection, and don’t base choices about work, money or relationships on it. If you like letter values, try the Gematria Calculator, find your animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac Calculator or look up a number you keep seeing with the Angel Number Calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Choose your date of birth for the Life Path Number.
- Type your full name, without titles, for the name numbers.
- Press Calculate and read your numbers with their keywords.
- Also look at the day, month and year numbers separately.
Key figures at a glance
| System | Pythagorean: A=1 … I=9, J=1 … |
|---|---|
| Master numbers | 11, 22 and 33 are not reduced further |
| Life Path | Sum of all digits of your birth date |
| Status | Entertainment, not science |
Frequently asked questions
Add all digits of your birth date and keep reducing until one digit remains, unless you reach 11, 22 or 33.
11, 22 and 33. They are not reduced further and are considered more powerful in numerology.
Traditionally the full name on your birth certificate. Some people also calculate with the name they use every day.
No. There is no evidence that numbers predict character or the future.
They use different letter values. This calculator uses the Pythagorean system.