The three systems side by side
| Feature | Pythagorean | Chaldean | Lo Shu grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uses | Name and birth date | Name (mainly the one you use) | Birth date |
| Number range | 1–9 for letters | 1–8 for letters; 9 unused | Digits 1–9 on a 3×3 grid |
| Letter order | Alphabetical (A = 1 … I = 9, J = 1 …) | Grouped by sound | No letters |
| Master numbers | Yes (11, 22, 33) | Usually no; compound numbers instead | No |
| Popular in | Europe and the Americas | India and with name consultants | China and South-East Asia, India |
| Guide | Pythagorean guide | Chaldean guide | Lo Shu guide |
Which system should you use?
- For a first reading of yourself, start with Pythagorean and your Life Path number. Most books and websites use it.
- For a name you use every day, or a business or brand name, many people also check the Chaldean number.
- For a quick visual overview of a birth date, try the Lo Shu grid.
The systems are not right or wrong versions of each other; they are separate traditions. See the Pythagorean vs Chaldean comparison for a worked example where the same name gives different numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Which numerology system is the most accurate?
None has been shown to be more accurate, because there is no scientific evidence for any of them. Choose the one whose method and descriptions you find most useful.
Why do Pythagorean and Chaldean give different numbers for my name?
They give many letters different values. For example, F is 6 in Pythagorean and 8 in Chaldean.