Every person has their own Life Path number in Numerology, and it's based on their unique birth date. This number represents an energy that influences who we each are as individuals and the direction we are going in life. While there are many numbers in a person's Numerology chart, the Life Path number is the most important. It is the number that's used for relationship compatibility because it's the most all-encompassing: it reveals the ways we think, act and react, process emotions, and relate to others. It represents the essence or our being, and some numbers are just more compatible than others. Understanding the positive and negative traits of the Life Path numbers can tell us a lot about ourselves and the people we know and love.

A Life Path number can only be one of the single-digit numbers 1-9, or Master Numbers 11, 22, and 33. However, when it comes to Numerology compatibility, only single digits are used. While a Master Number Life Path is a major influence on an individual's plight, it is not a significant force in relationship compatibility. If you know your Life Path number is either 11, 22, or 33, when looking at compatibility, you'd read about the 2 (11), 4 (22), or 6 (33).

If you don't know your Numerology Life Path number or want to calculate someone else's, it's really easy! The math is simple and it's just a few steps. Keep reading to learn how...

How to calculate a Life Path number

You can figure out anyone's Numerology Life Path number; all you need to know is their birth date, then it's just a matter of a few simple additions. Just remember that you're reducing every number down to a single digit, unless it is one of the Master Numbers 11, 22, or 33 -- then leave it as is. Give it a try:

Let's say the birthday is December 11, 1990, or 12-11-1990.

Step 1: Reduce the month

12 becomes 1 + 2, and the result is 3.

Step 2: Reduce the date

11 is a Master Number, so we leave it as 11.

Step 3: Reduce the year

1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 19 which is still two digits and not a Master number, so keep reducing!

1 + 9 = 10

1 + 0 = 1.

Step 4: Add the three resulting numbers and reduce them to a single digit or Master Number

3 + 11 + 1 = 15.

1 + 5 = 6. The Life Path number for this person is 6.

Now that you know how to calculate Life Path numbers for you and your love interest, read below to see what you two are like in relationships and if you made each other's good matches or bad matches!

Reveal the other core numbers in YOUR Numerology chart now »

Numerology compatibility by Life Path number

When it comes to compatibility, we only look at the single-digit Life Paths. Master Numbers (11, 22, and 33) are very powerful in some areas of life, but their "masterly" traits are not exhibited strongly in relationships. If your Life Path is a Master Number, you will simply read your single-digit counterpart: 11s should read the 2 Life Path, 22s will read 4, and 33 reads 6.

Discover if a Master Number shows up in your Numerology chart »

Life Path 1

1 people are full of energy and their motivation and confidence drive them through life. A relationship with a 1 Life Path is sure to be an exciting one, however, these people need their independence. They like to do things their own way and their partners may feel they have no say in the partnership.

Best matches: 3, 5, 6

Worst matches: 1, 8, 9

Read how compatible the Life Path 1 is with every other number »

Life Path 2

People with a 2 Life Path tend to do exceptionally well in relationships. They are naturally cooperative and have a strong intuition that helps them read the needs of their partners. However, these sensitive souls are easily hurt and may grow resentful over time if they are the only ones putting effort into the partnership.

Best matches: 4, 6, 8

Worst matches: 3, 5

Read how compatible the Life Path 2 is with every other number »

Life Path 3

There will be no shortage of good times in a relationship with a 3 person. They have a youthful spirit that is upbeat and optimistic, and they also happen to be skilled communicators. But a lack of focus and a desire to keep things light and fun can make it hard to ever connect with them on a deep, emotional level.

Best matches: 1, 5, 9

Worst matches: 2, 3, 6, 8

Read how compatible the Life Path 3 is with every other number »

Life Path 4

People with a 4 Life Path are strong and stable, and they make excellent protectors and providers. They are not romantic by nature but will express their devotion to their partner through trust and service. While a relationship with a 4 person will be committed and comfortable, it will likely fall short on passion and excitement.

Best matches: 2, 7, 8

Worst matches: 3, 5, 9

Read how compatible the Life Path 4 is with every other number »

Life Path 5

5 people are incredibly social and adventurous and enjoy exploring everything that piques their curiosity. They make exciting and adaptable partners, but many of their relationships are short-lived. This Life Path needs variety and can't handle being tied down, so they tend to be unreliable and unable to commit.

Best matches: 1, 3, 7

Worst matches: 2, 4, 9

Read how compatible the Life Path 5 is with every other number »

Life Path 6

The 6 Life Path is one of the most loving and devoted of all. These people are nurturers and protectors and will do anything to support the ones they love. A relationship with a 6 person will be a romantic one but it may be very imbalanced. Their total commitment to satisfying the needs of others can leave them neglecting their own needs.

Best matches: 1, 2, 8, 9

Worst matches: 3, 7

Read how compatible the Life Path 6 is with every other number »

Life Path 7

7 people tend to live in their minds and are not afraid to explore the depths of life. They are curious and have many interests but aren't especially social creatures. They may find it hard to meet new people, and even when they do, they tend to hide who they really are, making it difficult to forge authentic partnerships.

Best matches: 4, 5, 7

Worst matches: 6, 8, 9

Read how compatible the Life Path 7 is with every other number »

Life Path 8

People with an 8 Life Path are driven to succeed. They are powerful leaders with big goals and the spirit of a survivor. They will work hard to make their relationships last, but partners may not really feel like equals. 8 people expect things to go their way and will often make decisions, spend money, and steer the relationship however they see fit.

Best matches: 4, 6

Worst matches: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9

Read how compatible the Life Path 8 is with every other number »

Life Path 9

9 people have big hearts and beautiful souls and treat others with tolerance and compassion. They have an inspiring and spiritual presence and often play the role of supporter. Their relationships are soft and romantic, but they have a difficult time overcoming past heartache, and this pain and pessimism can cast a shadow on a partnership.

Best matches: 3, 6, 9

Worst matches: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8

Read how compatible the Life Path 9 is with every other number »