Learn the step-by-step process to calculate your Life Path Number from your birth date, including special rules for master numbers and common calculation examples.
For example: July 20, 1985 becomes 07/20/1985
0 + 7 + 2 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 5 = 32
3 + 2 = 5, so the Life Path Number is 5
Never reduce the master numbers 11, 22, or 33 to single digits. These carry special significance in numerology.
Birth Date: March 15, 1990
Step 1: 03/15/1990
Step 2: 0 + 3 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 28
Step 3: 2 + 8 = 10
Step 4: 1 + 0 = 1
Life Path Number: 1
Birth Date: November 29, 1975
Step 1: 11/29/1975
Step 2: 1 + 1 + 2 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 5 = 35
Step 3: 3 + 5 = 8
Life Path Number: 8
Note: Even though the month is 11, the final sum doesn't equal 11, 22, or 33
Birth Date: April 26, 1984
Step 1: 04/26/1984
Step 2: 0 + 4 + 2 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 4 = 34
Step 3: 3 + 4 = 7
Life Path Number: 7
Note: 34 reduces to 7, not 22. Master numbers only occur when the sum equals exactly 11, 22, or 33
Birth Date: December 31, 1976
Step 1: 12/31/1976
Step 2: 1 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 7 + 6 = 30
Step 3: 3 + 0 = 3
Life Path Number: 3
Alternative calculation showing a true 22: May 13, 1985 = 0+5+1+3+1+9+8+5 = 32, then 3+2 = 5. For a true 22: February 22, 1985 = 0+2+2+2+1+9+8+5 = 29, then 2+9 = 11, then we stop (master number). Actually: June 4, 1985 = 0+6+0+4+1+9+8+5 = 33 (master number - don't reduce further).
Master numbers are special double-digit numbers that are never reduced to single digits because they carry heightened spiritual significance and power.
The Intuitive Illuminator
The Master Builder
The Master Teacher
If your calculation results in 11, 22, or 33, stop there. Do not reduce these numbers further as they carry special spiritual significance and higher vibrational energy.
Never reduce 11, 22, or 33 to 2, 4, or 6. These are master numbers with special significance.
Don't add the month, day, and year as separate units. Add all individual digits together first.
Always use your actual birth date, not the date in a different calendar system or time zone.
Include zeros in your calculation. For example, January 5th is 01/05, not 1/5.
Double-check your arithmetic - small errors change the result
Use your birth certificate date if you're unsure
Write out each step to avoid confusion
Remember: only 11, 22, and 33 are master numbers
Practice with different dates to understand the pattern
Use our calculator to verify your manual calculations