Pythagorean Numerology
The most widely used system of numerology in the Western world — assigns letters numerical values in sequential order (a=1, b=2... i=9, j=1...) and reduces names and dates to single digits.
Pythagorean Numerology — sometimes called Western Numerology — is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, who taught that numbers are the underlying language of the universe. While the system as practised today was developed largely in the 20th century, its philosophical roots connect to Pythagorean ideas about number and harmony.
The system assigns each letter of the alphabet a value from 1 to 9 in sequence: a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4, e=5, f=6, g=7, h=8, i=9, then repeating: j=1, k=2, l=3, m=4, n=5, o=6, p=7, q=8, r=9, s=1, t=2, u=3, v=4, w=5, x=6, y=7, z=8.
This contrasts with Chaldean Numerology, an older system that assigns different values and includes some double-digit numbers in the core calculations. Most contemporary Western numerology uses the Pythagorean system.
How to calculate
The Pythagorean table: A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6, G=7, H=8, I=9, J=1, K=2, L=3, M=4, N=5, O=6, P=7, Q=8, R=9, S=1, T=2, U=3, V=4, W=5, X=6, Y=7, Z=8.
Related terms
Chaldean Numerology
An ancient numerological system originating in Babylon — assigns different letter values t…
Destiny Number
Also called the Expression Number — calculated from the full birth name and describing you…
Soul Urge Number
Also called the Heart's Desire Number — calculated from the vowels of your birth name and …
All glossary terms