Getting Started with Gematria
Using gematria is simpler than you might think. Whether you want to explore the meaning of gematria in religious texts, analyze names, or discover hidden numerical patterns, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to calculate gematria values in multiple systems and understand how to interpret your results.
Choose Your Gematria System
Different gematria systems produce different numerical values. Choose based on your purpose:
English Ordinal
A=1, B=2, C=3 ... Z=26
Best for: Beginners, general English analysis
Full Reduction
A=1, B=2 ... K=2 (1+1), T=2 (2+0)
Best for: Finding single-digit connections
Hebrew/Jewish
Larger values: A=1, J=600, V=700
Best for: Biblical analysis, larger numbers
Greek Isopsephy
Based on Greek alphabet values
Best for: New Testament study, Greek texts
Tip: Start with English Ordinal - it's the easiest to understand and most commonly used for English text.
Enter Your Word or Phrase
Using our calculator is straightforward:
- Go to the calculator
- Type your word or phrase in the input field
- The gematria values appear instantly across all systems
- Click any value to see the letter-by-letter breakdown
Let's calculate "HELLO WORLD" step by step:
Interpret the Result
Once you have a gematria value, here's how to find meaning:
Find Matching Words
Search for other words with the same value. Use our decoder tool to find matches - shared values suggest spiritual connections.
Try this toolCheck Angel Numbers
If your result is a repeating number (111, 222, 333, etc.), it may carry special angel number meaning.
Try this toolCompare Related Terms
Calculate gematria for related words and look for patterns. Use our comparison tool to analyze multiple phrases.
Try this toolResearch Known Values
Some numbers have established significance (26=GOD, 74=JESUS). Our gematria chart shows common values.
Try this toolTips for Accurate Calculations
- 1.Be consistent with spelling: "Gray" and "Grey" give different values. Use the most common or original spelling.
- 2.Consider the original language: For biblical names, the Hebrew calculator may be more appropriate than English.
- 3.Try multiple systems: Different systems can reveal different connections. Our calculator shows all systems simultaneously.
- 4.Include or exclude spaces: Some traditions count spaces, others don't. Try both ways.
- 5.Use proper names carefully: Full names, nicknames, and titles all produce different values.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing gematria systems
Always compare values calculated in the same system. Don't compare an English Ordinal result to a Jewish gematria result.
Forcing connections
Not every matching value is meaningful. Look for patterns that appear consistently across multiple calculations.
Ignoring context
A word's gematria value should make sense within its cultural and historical context.
Using modern translations
When studying ancient texts, calculate gematria from the original language when possible.
Overlooking reduction
Sometimes the reduced form (single digit) reveals connections the full number misses.
Practice Examples
Try calculating these yourself, then verify with our calculator:
Calculate in English Ordinal: L(12) + I(9) + G(7) + H(8) + T(20)
Calculate in English Ordinal: P(16) + E(5) + A(1) + C(3) + E(5)
Calculate in English Ordinal: W(23) + I(9) + S(19) + D(4) + O(15) + M(13)
Challenge: Find a word that shares the same English Ordinal value as your first name!
What's Next?
Now that you know the basics, here are ways to deepen your practice:
- •Learn about the history and philosophy behind gematria
- •Explore angel number meanings like 111, 777, and 888
- •Study the gematria chart to memorize letter values
- •Practice with different calculator systems to find the one that resonates with you