Life Path Number
Your Life path number is derived from your full birth date, and it is the most important number in your numerological chart. Life Path Number describes the nature of your life journey, the road you are traveling. It describes your traits and who you are at birth, and outlines the opportunities, challenges, and lessons you will encounter in this lifetime.
How To Calculate Your Life Path Number
You will find that there are a few variations on how some people, and websites, calculate your Life Path number. Most of the time, the results will be the same, however, when we come to the point of determining whether or not your number is a master number, it is then that these methods of calculations differ.
The method used by myself, and on this site, relies on the idea that your Life Path is based on 3 cycles ... and so it is sometimes called the 3 Cycle method. Some also refer to it as the "old" or "traditional" method of calculating your Life Path number, and others refer to it as the true Pythagorean method. For me personally, it is the preferred method, as it is more strict and more selective in determining whether or not someone falls into the category of a master number, resulting in a much more realistic statistical distribution of numbers ranging from 1 to 9, and 11,22, and 33. Using any of the other methods, I have found that there is an abnormal number of people having a master number versus its single digit counterpart.
The method used by myself, and on this site, relies on the idea that your Life Path is based on 3 cycles ... and so it is sometimes called the 3 Cycle method. Some also refer to it as the "old" or "traditional" method of calculating your Life Path number, and others refer to it as the true Pythagorean method. For me personally, it is the preferred method, as it is more strict and more selective in determining whether or not someone falls into the category of a master number, resulting in a much more realistic statistical distribution of numbers ranging from 1 to 9, and 11,22, and 33. Using any of the other methods, I have found that there is an abnormal number of people having a master number versus its single digit counterpart.
More importantly, this method is the only one that uses the actual Cycles or Periods in your life to find your Life Path number. It is the only method where the numbers within your numerological chart (Pinnacles, Challenges and Cycles) relate directly to one another and to the Life Path number as well, providing a consistent analysis throughout your entire chart.
The numbers representing your Month, Day, and Year of birth are used to calculate your Pinnacles, Challenges, and are ultimately responsible for each of your 3 Cycles. It is these Cycles that are added together to form your full life cycle … or your Life Path.
I find that the simplest way to explain something is to use examples. If you are not too sure you can double check with our Life Path Number Calculator or feel free to drop me a note below in the comments section.
The numbers representing your Month, Day, and Year of birth are used to calculate your Pinnacles, Challenges, and are ultimately responsible for each of your 3 Cycles. It is these Cycles that are added together to form your full life cycle … or your Life Path.
I find that the simplest way to explain something is to use examples. If you are not too sure you can double check with our Life Path Number Calculator or feel free to drop me a note below in the comments section.
Example Calculation 1:
Date of Birth – December, 30, 1989 = 12 / 30 / 1989
3 Cycle Method
[i] (1 + 2) + (3 + 0) + (1 + 9 + 8 + 9) = 3 + 3 + 27 = 3 + 3 + 9 = 15 = 6 (your 3 Cycles are 3, 3, and 9)
Other Methods
[ii]12 + 30 + 1989 = 2031 = 2 + 0 + 3 + 1 = 6
[iii]1 + 2 + 3 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 9 = 33/6
From the above example, using the 3 cycle method, you need to reduce each number of your birth date (day, month, and year) separately, into a single digit number, THEN you add the final three numbers together and the result is reduced again to find your life path number.
Each of the 3 numbers ... 3, 3, and 9 in the above example [i] ... represents a cycle or a period in your life. Using other calculation methods, you are not taking into account these 3 cycles, and are also not taking into account master numbers withing the calculations themselves.
Using the other methods [ii] and [iii], our results vary giving us both 33 and a 6, introducing inconsistency and a statistically abnormal number of people having master numbers.
The next examples show how to handle master numbers within the calculations themselves.
Date of Birth – December, 30, 1989 = 12 / 30 / 1989
3 Cycle Method
[i] (1 + 2) + (3 + 0) + (1 + 9 + 8 + 9) = 3 + 3 + 27 = 3 + 3 + 9 = 15 = 6 (your 3 Cycles are 3, 3, and 9)
Other Methods
[ii]12 + 30 + 1989 = 2031 = 2 + 0 + 3 + 1 = 6
[iii]1 + 2 + 3 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 9 = 33/6
From the above example, using the 3 cycle method, you need to reduce each number of your birth date (day, month, and year) separately, into a single digit number, THEN you add the final three numbers together and the result is reduced again to find your life path number.
Each of the 3 numbers ... 3, 3, and 9 in the above example [i] ... represents a cycle or a period in your life. Using other calculation methods, you are not taking into account these 3 cycles, and are also not taking into account master numbers withing the calculations themselves.
Using the other methods [ii] and [iii], our results vary giving us both 33 and a 6, introducing inconsistency and a statistically abnormal number of people having master numbers.
The next examples show how to handle master numbers within the calculations themselves.
More Numerology Freebies ...
Example Calculation 2:
Date of Birth – July, 29, 1964 = 7 / 29 / 1964
3 Cycle Method
[i] 7 + (2 + 9) + (1 + 9 + 6 + 4) = 7 + 11 + 20 = 7 + 11 + 2 = 20 = 2 (your 3 Cycles are 7, 11, and 2)
Other Methods
[ii] 7 + 29 + 1964= 2000 = 2
[iii] 7 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 4 = 38 = 11/2
[iv] 7 + 2 + 2 = 11/2 (if we reduce the day number in the calculation to it's single digit
Notice in this example ... calculation [i], that I have not reduced the 11 to a 2. This is because 11 is a master number. If at any time in the calculation you encounter a master number (11, 22, or 33) you DO NOT reduce that number any further. Using the other methods we again get varying results, and an abnormally high number of people thinking they have a master number 11 life path.
Date of Birth – July, 29, 1964 = 7 / 29 / 1964
3 Cycle Method
[i] 7 + (2 + 9) + (1 + 9 + 6 + 4) = 7 + 11 + 20 = 7 + 11 + 2 = 20 = 2 (your 3 Cycles are 7, 11, and 2)
Other Methods
[ii] 7 + 29 + 1964= 2000 = 2
[iii] 7 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 4 = 38 = 11/2
[iv] 7 + 2 + 2 = 11/2 (if we reduce the day number in the calculation to it's single digit
Notice in this example ... calculation [i], that I have not reduced the 11 to a 2. This is because 11 is a master number. If at any time in the calculation you encounter a master number (11, 22, or 33) you DO NOT reduce that number any further. Using the other methods we again get varying results, and an abnormally high number of people thinking they have a master number 11 life path.
Example Calculation 3:
Date of Birth – May, 18, 1970 = 5 / 18 / 1970
3 Cycle Method
[i] 5 + (1 + 8 ) + (1 + 9 + 7 + 0) = 5 + 9 + 17 = 5 + 9 + 8 = 22 (your 3 Cycles are 5, 9, and 8 )
Other Methods
[ii] 5 + 18 + 1970 = 1993 = 22
[iii] 5 + 1 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 0 = 31 = 4
In this Example 3, we see that using the 3 Cycle method the result is a master number, whereas using the other methods the result can be either a 22 or a 4.
Date of Birth – May, 18, 1970 = 5 / 18 / 1970
3 Cycle Method
[i] 5 + (1 + 8 ) + (1 + 9 + 7 + 0) = 5 + 9 + 17 = 5 + 9 + 8 = 22 (your 3 Cycles are 5, 9, and 8 )
Other Methods
[ii] 5 + 18 + 1970 = 1993 = 22
[iii] 5 + 1 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 0 = 31 = 4
In this Example 3, we see that using the 3 Cycle method the result is a master number, whereas using the other methods the result can be either a 22 or a 4.
Example Calculation 4:
Date of Birth – November, 29, 1901 = 11 / 29 / 1901
3 Cycle Method
[i] 11 + (2 + 9) + (1 + 9 + 0 + 1) = 11 + 11 + 11 = 33 (your 3 Cycles are 11, 11, and 11)
Other Methods
[ii] 11 + 29 + 1901= 1941 = 15 = 6
[iii] 1 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 0 + 1 = 24 = 6
[iv] 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 (if we reduced all 11's to their single digits)
Again, our result using the 3 Cycle method gives us a master number 33, while the other methods give us a 6. I chose these examples on purpose ... usually this works out the other way around, where the other methods result in a master number and the 3 cycle method does not (like in Example Calculations 1 and 2).
Date of Birth – November, 29, 1901 = 11 / 29 / 1901
3 Cycle Method
[i] 11 + (2 + 9) + (1 + 9 + 0 + 1) = 11 + 11 + 11 = 33 (your 3 Cycles are 11, 11, and 11)
Other Methods
[ii] 11 + 29 + 1901= 1941 = 15 = 6
[iii] 1 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 0 + 1 = 24 = 6
[iv] 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 (if we reduced all 11's to their single digits)
Again, our result using the 3 Cycle method gives us a master number 33, while the other methods give us a 6. I chose these examples on purpose ... usually this works out the other way around, where the other methods result in a master number and the 3 cycle method does not (like in Example Calculations 1 and 2).
For those who feel that my preferred method of choice is somehow incorrect ... and this would include mostly those for whom the 3 cycle method does not produce a master number ... let me state that I have myself used the second method in the past exclusively, and it was only after much deliberation that I converted completely to the 3 cycle method, or the TRUE Pythagorean method, as it is most commonly called. It is by far the best method of calculation for your life path number.
If you have any thoughts that go against this, please look through ALL the comments on this page, and on this website as this topic has been discussed previously on several occasions, and the result of those discussions has made my decision ever stronger.
Also keep in mind that most professional numerologists use this method exclusively, and see the other methods as being incorrect. For more information feel free to examine some of the following material:
Statistical Analysis of Life Path numbers - https://numerologyworx.com/life-path-number-statistics/
http://www.thedreamtime.com/category/numerology/ - Bret Simpson
All the numerology readings we provide are based on the work of Hans Decoz - http://www.numerology.com/numerology-news/life-path-number
Book by Mathew Goodwin on Amazon.com - Numerology the Complete Guide, Volume I: The Personality Reading
Save & Exit
If you have any thoughts that go against this, please look through ALL the comments on this page, and on this website as this topic has been discussed previously on several occasions, and the result of those discussions has made my decision ever stronger.
Also keep in mind that most professional numerologists use this method exclusively, and see the other methods as being incorrect. For more information feel free to examine some of the following material:
Statistical Analysis of Life Path numbers - https://numerologyworx.com/life-path-number-statistics/
http://www.thedreamtime.com/category/numerology/ - Bret Simpson
All the numerology readings we provide are based on the work of Hans Decoz - http://www.numerology.com/numerology-news/life-path-number
Book by Mathew Goodwin on Amazon.com - Numerology the Complete Guide, Volume I: The Personality Reading
Save & Exit
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Hi -- similar question I think to some above, but why isn't January 1, 1991 a 22 or 22/4?
Hi Tom, unless it is a master number, each number is reduced to a single digit value, then added up to get your life path ...
Jan = 1
01 = 1
1991 = 20 = 2
Life path number = 1 + 1 + 2 = 4
Hi, my birthday is August 3rd 1975. Am I a master number 33? I’m so confused, thanks for your help!
Hi Kelly,
Aug = 8
03 = 3
1975 = 22 (master numbers are not reduced within the calculation)
Your life path number = 8 + 3 + 22 = 33/6
Hi,
My date of birth is: January 11, 1974 so my life path is 33 = 11+ 1 + 21, right?
so why your calculator indicates 6 ?
Hi Izabella ...
Jan = 1
11 = 11 (master numbers are not reduced within the calculation)
1974 = 21 = 3
Your life path number = 1 + 11 + 3 = 15/6 not 33/6 ... hope that helps : )
Pl.tell date of birth of child born after midnight and before sunrise to be reckoned as date of previous day or date after sunrise.
Hi, my name is Cathy my dob is 11/15/1976 & my daughter's is 5/12/2010. Can you please help me calculate? Not sure which method to use. Thank you so much! 😊
Hi Cathy,
For your birthdate - 11/15/1976 ...
11 = 11 (master numbers are not reduced any further within the calculation)
15 = 6
1976 = 23 = 5
Your life path number = 11 + 6 + 5 = 22 ... written as 22/4 as your base number is still a 4, with your higher double digit vibration being the master number 22
For your daughter's birthdate - 5/12/2010 ...
5 = 5
12 = 3
2010 = 3
Her life path number = 5 + 3 + 3 = 11/2 ... 2 is her base with master number 11 as her higher double digit vibration : )
Hey, so I had a question about the third method. This is the method I myself prefer to use when calculating the life path. I like to use this method because this method along with the others that are not the three cycle one gives me the same number. However, I had a question about the calculation in regards to other dates. More specifically, master numbers. I did my family's calculations for their life path number using the third method and it says that we all have the same master number in our life path but that doesn't seem right. Can you tell me when is the appropriate time to decide when a master number is the answer or keep adding past in? For example,
When the birthday is May 15, 2001. 05/15/2001. If I add this up using the third method, it's 5+1+5+2+0+0+1. However, during the calculation process, I get 5+1+5 = 11. According to the rule of the master numbers and the third method, does this mean that this person has the life path of number 11? Or do I still need to keep adding, getting 5+1+5+2+0+0+1 = 14 = 5, making 5 their actual life path? Please help me figure this out.
Thanks in advance!
Corey
Hi Corey,
I’m going to repeat my answer from below : ) …
I know this is always asked by people who would like to know if they have a master number, but if you’re not using the Pythagorean method, and are trying to get master numbers 22 and particularly 33, it will be very difficult to get those using any other method now that we are in the 2000s. The Pythagorean method is the only one that is always consistent in the results regardless what decade or century we are looking at.
Free numerology statistical analysis is available at this site - https://numerologyworx.com/life-path-number-statistics/
Also the difference in the results would differ only for the double digit values … so someone might be a master number 33/6 by one method and 15/6 by another, however the single digit value is always the same regardless of how you go about calculating it.
For the birthday May 15, 2001 ...
Pythagorean method (should always use this one)
May = 5
15 = 6
2001 = 3
Your life path = 5 + 6 + 3 = 14 = 5
Other methods
5 + 15 + 2001 = 2021 = 5
OR
5 + 1 + 5 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 1 = 14 = 5
Hi! Thanks for the article it was extremely informative! My date of birth is the 15th of September 1994. Using the three cycle method I believe it would look like this: 1+5 = 6, 9 = 9, 1+9+9+4 = 5
This adds to life path 2.
Using the other two methods 15+09+1994 = 2018 = 2+0+1+8 = 11
1+5+9+1+9+9+4 = 38
So two methods out of three depict me as life path 11 - only the three cycle method says I’m a two? Since i usually follow Vedic system with astrology, which calculation method should I use for the most accurate result? With no disrespect I believe numbers are numbers - the calculation method of all three could be equally accurate if the system behind numerology itself is based on numerological values and their corresponding meaning. Further, the entire date of birth added together still rings an important numerological significance in my view. My personal favourite to calculate the life path is the 15+09+1994 method, particularly because I am fond of the Vedic astrology system and expert Vedic astrologers seem to like this method too. It always blows me away how much more accurate this method is! I agree with your thoughts on the single digit calculation though (1+5+9+1+9+9+4), I think this is the most inaccurate as the readings it produces seem to ring less truth. What are you thoughts 🙂
http://www.astrologykrs.com/Numerology.html
This respected Indian astrology believes in the method - what’s your opinion?
Hi Cameron,
I know this is always asked by people who would like to know if they have a master number, but if you’re not using the Pythagorean method, and are trying to get master numbers 22 and particularly 33, it will be very difficult to get those using any other method now that we are in the 2000s. The Pythagorean method is the only one that is always consistent in the results regardless of what decade or century we are looking at.
Free numerology statistical analysis is available at this site - https://numerologyworx.com/life-path-number-statistics/
So according to this method the only possible dates having master number 33 in the 19th century are:-
11 Nov 1901, 11 Nov 1910, 10 Jan 1939, 9 Feb 1939, 8 Mar 1939, 7 Apr 1939, 6 May 1939, 5 June 1939, 4 July 1939, 3 August 1939, 2 September 1939, 1 Oct 1939, 10 Jan 1948, 9 Feb 1948, 8 Mar 1948, 7 Apr 1948, 6 May 1948, 5 June 1948, 4 July 1948, 3 August 1948, 2 September 1948, 1 Oct 1948, 10 Jan 1957, 9 Feb 1957, 8 Mar 1957, 7 Apr 1957, 6 May 1957, 5 June 1957, 4 July 1957, 3 August 1957, 2 September 1957, 1 Oct 1957. 10 Jan 1966, 9 Feb 1966, 8 Mar 1966, 7 Apr 1966, 6 May 1966, 5 June 1966, 4 July 1966, 3 August 1966, 2 September 1966, 1 Oct 1966, 10 Jan 1975, 9 Feb 1975, 8 Mar 1975, 7 Apr 1975, 6 May 1975, 5 June 1975, 4 July 1975, 3 August 1975, 2 September 1975, 1 Oct 1975, 10 Jan 1984, 9 Feb 1984, 8 Mar 1984, 7 Apr 1984, 6 May 1984, 5 June 1984, 4 July 1984, 3 August 1984, 2 September 1984, 1 Oct 1984, 10 Jan 1993, 9 Feb 1993, 8 Mar 1993, 7 Apr 1993, 6 May 1993, 5 June 1993, 4 July 1993, 3 August 1993, 2 September 1993, 1 Oct 1993
Wouldn't that make this way of calculation too biased towards certain years, it's like the years 39, 48, 57, 66, 75, 84, 93 are the year of the master numbers 33. Also, it would omit personalities like albert einstien (14th March 1879) out of the list by this calculation, who clearly depicts all the traits of a master number 33.
Hi Seth,
It has a while since someone asked me this question, so it’s good to give a bit more of an explanation.
First you forgot about the number 22. Each month has a day number 22 which, if using the Pythagorean Method, is also not reduced within the calculation, and so you will have to add a few more dates to your list : )
It is actually the Pythagorean method that is very consistent across all dates, regardless what decade we are in, and it is the straight across method (where you add the numbers without reducing them first ex: 1 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 0 + 1 = 24 = 6 ) which you will find is impossible to get a master number 33 for the next few years, beginning in the year 2000 . Anyone claiming that the straight across method is better for whatever reason might want to rethink it. I am not going to start giving out math examples because you can surely run the numbers yourself, but just think how many decades you need to wait before you can get 33 out of September 29 (this being the biggest number combination possible in a straight addition method) after year 2000 - 09/29/2XXX. I think the first one would be in 2029 I believe … 0 + 9 + 2 + 9 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 9
There is also very handy life path number statistical tool that you can use to see how many master numbers are possible within a given date range for the three of the more popular methods- https://numerologyworx.com/life-path-number-statistics/
Hope that helps : )
Waiting patiently for my results
Hi Kelly, not sure what results you are referring to. If you submitted your information for a free reading and it has been more than 4 days, please check Gmail's spam folder as it is 99.9% in there : )
What is my main trait
Hi my birthdate is May 15 1993 it says I have a master number 33 is that correct?
Hi Tom, that is correct ...
may = 5
15 = 6
1993 = 22
Life path = 5 + 6 + 22 = 33/6
Thanks for the quick response!
I also applied for the free reading 🙂
Tried figuring out mine got lost
11,11,61
Your life path = 11 + 11 + 8 = 30 = 3 … my favourite number, besides 7 of course : )
07/13/1965 could u elaborate what this exactly means thank you #RHNEG
Hi Robin,
07 = 7
13 = 4
1965 = 21 = 3
Your life path = 7 + 4 + 3 = 14 = 5 … http://www.seventhlifepath.com/numerology/life-path-number-5/
Interestingly, as a 27/9 mom to three boys…each separated by 8-10 years (same parents) the oldest DOB June 21, 1981…28/10; Next DOB May 31, 1991..29/11…Youngest born Nov. 22, 1998. I want to be sure I am using correct double digit numbers for his 6? I have solid understanding of both Millman and Decoz’s work.
Hi Sophi,
June 21, 1981 = 6 + 3 + 1 = 10/1
May 31, 1991 = 5 + 4 + 2 = 11/2
Nov. 22, 1998 = 11 + 22 + 9 = 42/6
If you are interested in a full numerology analysis, we offer free readings (based on the work of Decoz) – http://www.seventhlifepath.com/numerology-personality-reading/
Cheers : )
Hi my magic date is 17 / 7 /1981 what would my life path nr be?
Hi Landi,
17 = 8
7 = 7
1981 = 19 = 10 = 1
your life path number 8 + 7 + 1 = 16 = 7
my bate of birth is 26 july 1993 what is my own numerology no for life?
Hi there ...
July = 7
26 = 8
1993 = 22 (master numbers are not reduced within the calculation)
your life path number = 7 + 8 + 22 = 37 = 10 = 1