About Numbers

Cardinal, Ordinal, and Nominal Numbers

A cardinal number tells "how many." Cardinal numbers are also known as "counting numbers," because they show quantity.
Here are some examples using cardinal numbers:

• 8 puppies
• 14 friends

Ordinal numbers tell the order of things in a set—first, second, third, etc. Ordinal numbers do not show quantity. They only show rank or position.
Here are some examples using ordinal numbers:

• 3rd fastest
• 6th in line

A nominal number names something—a telephone number, a player on a team. Nominal numbers do not show quantity or rank. They are used only to identify something.
Here are some examples using nominal numbers:

• jersey number 4
• zip code 02116