Numerology methods

Pythagorean vs. Chaldean numerology

Both systems turn letters into numbers, but they use different assignments and interpretive traditions. A result is only meaningful when you know which method produced it.

By Numesecrets Editorial TeamReviewed September 22, 20269 min read

The central differencePythagorean numerology assigns letters sequentially from 1 through 9. Chaldean numerology uses values from 1 through 8 based on a different traditional arrangement.

Pythagorean numerology

The modern Pythagorean system is popular in Western name numerology because its repeating alphabetical sequence is easy to calculate and explain. Despite the name, specific modern letter charts should not automatically be attributed directly to Pythagoras without historical evidence.

Chaldean numerology

Chaldean charts use a different set of letter values and usually give greater attention to compound numbers before reduction. The system is often described as older, but historical claims should be evaluated source by source.

Which one should you use?

Choose one system, name it clearly, and use it consistently. Mixing letter values from one system with interpretations from another makes a calculation impossible for the reader to verify.