Quick answer
Numerology studies the numbers in your date of birth and name. In Indian numerology the two most important numbers are your Driver number (from the day you were born) and your Conductor number, also called the life path number (from your whole date of birth). Each reduces to a number from 1 to 9, and each number is linked to a planet.
In this article
What is numerology?
Numerology is a centuries-old system that reads meaning in numbers. It looks at the numbers you were born with (your date of birth) and the numbers you carry (your name, and the dates and numbers you choose) to describe your nature, your strengths and the timing of events in your life.
Numerology works with patterns, not fixed predictions. Your date of birth cannot change, but your name spelling, a business name, a phone number or an important date are your own choices, and numerology helps you choose them well.
The core numbers you should know
- Driver number: the day you were born, reduced to a single digit. It describes how you think and act day to day.
- Conductor number (life path number): your full date of birth added up and reduced to a single digit. It describes the direction of your life.
- Name number: the total of your name’s letters using Chaldean values. It shows the energy your name adds to your date of birth.
- Lo Shu Grid: a 3×3 chart that places the digits of your date of birth, showing which numbers repeat and which are missing.
- Personal year, month and day numbers: numbers that change with time and describe what the current period holds for you.
Numerology: how to calculate your Driver and Conductor numbers
Add the digits until a single digit from 1 to 9 is left. Zeros are simply skipped.
Worked example
Example: born on 14 August 1995 (14-08-1995)
Driver number: 1 + 4 = 5
Conductor number: 1 + 4 + 0 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 37 → 3 + 7 = 10 → 1 + 0 = 1
So this person is a Driver 5 (Mercury) with a Conductor 1 (Sun).
You can skip the maths and get both numbers, plus your Lo Shu Grid and Kua number, from the free DOB Calculator.
Numerology table: numbers 1 to 9 and their planets
In Indian numerology every root number is ruled by one of the nine planets (navagraha), including Rahu and Ketu. This numerology table is the base of every reading:
1The Leader
Sun
Confident, original and driven to go first. This number wants to be seen.
2The Peacemaker
Moon
Gentle, intuitive and caring. Builds bonds, partnerships and calm.
3The Guide
Jupiter
Wise, expressive and optimistic. Attracts respect, learning and growth.
4The Builder
Rahu
Practical, unconventional and hardworking. Thinks differently, works steadily.
5The Communicator
Mercury
Quick, witty and adaptable. Thrives on movement, trade and talk.
6The Family Maker
Venus
Warm, artistic and family-minded. Brings comfort, beauty and luxury.
7The Seeker
Ketu
Deep, spiritual and analytical. Looks beneath the surface of everything.
8The Achiever
Saturn
Disciplined, patient and ambitious. Success comes slow, but it stays.
9The Warrior
Mars
Bold, energetic and courageous. Fights for what matters, finishes strong.
For each number’s meaning in depth, read the guides to number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The letter values used for names are in the Chaldean alphabet chart.
Numerology learning: where to start
- Find your Driver and Conductor numbers and your Lo Shu Grid with the free DOB Calculator.
- Check whether your name supports your date of birth with the free Name Number calculator.
- See what this year holds with the free yearly prediction.
- For questions about career, marriage or a name change, talk to a verified numerologist on Numbers Talk.
Frequently asked questions
What details do I need for a numerology reading?
Only your date of birth for your Driver number, Conductor number and Lo Shu Grid, and your name as you use it for your name number. Unlike Astrology, numerology does not need your birth time or place.
Is the life path number the same as the Conductor number?
Yes. In Indian numerology the life path number is called the Conductor number. It is the total of your full date of birth, reduced to a single digit.
Can I learn numerology on my own?
Yes, the basics are simple arithmetic. Reading how your numbers work together, especially for decisions like a name change or a marriage, is where an experienced numerologist helps.