Numerology Chart Steps and Meanings

Updated March 4, 2019
Numerology charts mean math!

A numerology chart can be fairly complex, but understanding the steps you need to take to get the numbers and the meanings of the numbers themselves is essential for fully appreciating this form of divination. Learn how to construct a chart and use it effectively.

What You Need for Numerology Charts

Before getting started on a numerology chart, you'll need to have a paper and pen handy and be prepared to do some math. As you work, keep the following in mind.

Your Birth Name and Current Name

Use the full name on your birth certificate and the name you currently use. For example, if you were born Jane Alexis Smith, but you are now Jane Alexis Jones, you'll use each name to calculate different name numerology numbers. For the calculations below, you'll focus only on your given name at birth.

A Letter Value Numerology Chart

You also need to know the value of each letter to calculate your chart. Different types of numerology have different charts. The chart below is Pythagorean numerology, but there is a different chart for Chaldean numerology.

Pythagorean numerology chart

Decide Whether Y Is a Vowel or Consonant

Y is always considered a consonant in Pythagorean numerology unless it sounds like a vowel. Then you calculate it as a vowel instead. For example, if your birth name is Candy, the y has a vowel sound (ee), so you calculate it as a vowel. Otherwise, such as in the name Young, it is a consonant.

Your Date of Birth

You'll also need your date of birth as mm/dd/yyyy; for example, for December 14, 1969, you would need the numbers 12 (mm), 14 (dd), and 1969 (yyyy).

Constructing the Core Numbers of Numerology Chart

When you begin your calculations, take your time and make sure you're adding numbers correctly so you don't have to go back and recalculate.

Calculate the Heart's Desire Number

The first step is to calculate the heart's desire. Your heart's desire number describes what motivates you or your inner drives.

  1. Adding the value of the vowels in each part of your birth name. For example, Jane Alexis Smith would be calculated 1 (a) + 5 (e) = 6 (Jane); 1 (a) + 5 (e) + 9 (i) = 15 (Alexis); 9 (i) (Smith)
  2. Reduce each to a single digit by adding the individual digits of your first answer. For example, 6 (Jane); 1+ 5 = 6 (Alexis); 9 (Smith)
  3. Next, add all the names together. 6 (Jane) + 6 (Alexis) + 9 (Smith) = 21
  4. The final step is to reduce yet again to a single digit. 2 + 1 = 3

Calculate Your Personality Number

Here, you'll once again use your birth name, but calculate it using consonants of your name. Your personality number describes the image you project to the world.

  1. Add the value of the consonants of each part of your birth name. For example Jane Alexis Smith would be calculated 1 (j) + 5 (n) = 6 (Jane); 3 (l) + 6 (x) + 1 (s) = 10 (Alexis); 1 (s) + 4 (m) + 2 (t) + 8 (h) = 15 (Smith).
  2. Reduce each to a single visit. For example 6 (Jane); 1 +0 = 1 (Alexis); 1 + 5 =6 (Smith).
  3. Add all the names together. For example 6 (Jane) + 1 (Alexis) + 6 (Smith) = 13
  4. Reduce to a single digit. For example, 1 + 3 = 4.

Destiny Number

Your destiny number may also be called your expression number. It describes opportunities and inner goals available to you. Use the full birth name to calculate it.

  1. Add the value of all letters of your name at birth, creating a separate number for each name. For example: 1 (j) + 1 (a) + 5 (n) + 5 (e) = 12; 1 (a) + 3 (l) + 5 (e) + 6 (x) + 9 (i) + 1 (s) = 25; 1 (s) + 4 (m) + 9 (i) + 2 (t) + 8 (h) = 24
  2. Reduce each name to a single digit. For example, 1 + 2 = 3 (Jane); 2 + 5 = 7 (Alexis); 2+ 4 = 6 (Smith).
  3. Now, add all numbers together. For example, 3 (Jane) + 7 (Alexis) + 6 (Smith) = 16
  4. Reduce this final number. For example, 1 + 6 = 7.

Calculate Planes of Expression

If you've been adding correctly, you should now have three sets of numbers: the heart's desire, the personality number, and the destiny number. Now you're ready to calculate the planes of expression for these. These numbers are important because they can provide a detailed study about the manner in which an individual thinks, acts, and behaves. The planes can also help reveal inner conflicts, and they also play a significant role in love relationships. Use these rules for planes of expression to calculate the numbers that will provide information about mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual numerology specific to your birth name and your current name.

Calculate Your Life Path Number

Your life path number is derived from your birthday. It is an outline of your karmic imprint you bring into this lifetime inclusive of skills, challenges, and other things that may arise in your life.

  1. Add your numbers for mm, dd, and yyyy separately. For example, for December 14, 1969, add 1 + 3 = 3 (December); 1 + 4 = 5 (14); 1 + 9 + 6 + 9 = 25 (1969).
  2. Reduce each number. For example, 3 (December); 5 (14); 2 + 5 = 7 (1969).
  3. Now, add all numbers together. For example 3 (December) + 5 (14) + 7 (1969) = 15
  4. Finally, reduce this to a single digit. For example, 1 + 5 = 6.

Calculate Your Attainment Number

In a numerology chart, attainment represents the spiritual consciousness under which many lives and rebirths have come into form. This number represents everything you ever were (in a past life) and what you are striving for in this life. Numerologists look at the attainment number as the "design" of the soul's journey.

  1. To calculate, add your destiny number to your life path number. For example, 7 (Jane's destiny number) + 6 (Jane's life path number) = 13
  2. Reduce to a single digit. For example, 1 + 3 = 4

Master Numbers 11, 22, and 33

The only time you don't reduce a number to a single digit is if the result is a master number. There are three master numbers: 11, 22, and 33. In the final result of any calculation, leave these as is and read the result for the master number, instead.

Junior, Senior, or Other Numbers in a Birth Name

If your name has a generational identifier, such as junior, senior, II, III, IV, etc., these aren't calculated into any of the numbers above, so you can simply drop them from the name.

How Name Changes Affect Your Numerology

If you've legally changed your name, you go by a nickname, or you have a maiden and married name or have obtained a hyphenated name, these can affect your numerology. You can also calculate with your new name to gain insights into how you may have changed in your life, but your basic karmic imprint comes from your given name at birth.

What the Numbers Mean

You can look up the meaning of each number on a number meaning numerology chart to glean information about each of the above aspects of your life.

Understanding Your Numbers

Calculating your numerology chart can help you gain a better understanding of some of the imprints, also called karmic overlays, you come into this lifetime with. As you gain a better understanding of these imprints, you can work to find solutions to navigate challenges that arise in your life based on the gifts you brought with you when you were born.

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Numerology Chart Steps and Meanings