Cardinal Numbers in English: What Is a Cardinal Number and How to Use Them

Numbers are everywhere! We use them to count objects, tell time, share phone numbers, and even talk about prices. In English, those very numbers we use for counting are called cardinal numbers—like one, two, three, and so on.

In this guide, you’ll learn the definition of what cardinal numbers are, how to use them in everyday conversations, and some useful examples to help you practice.

Let’s do it! 

What is a Cardinal Number?

A cardinal number represents quantity and answers the question "How many?" It is used for counting and can range from 0 (zero) to infinity. Examples of cardinal numbers include 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. 

These numbers differ from ordinal numbers, which we use to indicate position or order (e.g., first, second, third, etc.). For example:

• "There are five apples on the table,":  The number five (5) is a cardinal number because it tells how many apples there are on the table.
• “She bought three books from the bookstore”: The number three (3) is a cardinal number because it tells how many books she bought.
• “We invited twenty friends to the party”: The number twenty (20) is a cardinal number because it shows how many friends were invited.

Now that you know the meaning of cardinal number in English, let’s learn more about which ones exist and how to express them verbally and in writing.

Cardinal Numbers From 1 to 20

Knowing the cardinal numbers from 1 to 20 is essential for basic counting in English. These numbers serve as the foundation for everyday communication, so it’s crucial to understand them clearly. Here’s a list to help you learn them:

Once you have mastered these numbers, you will find it much easier to understand the rest of the numerical system in English. The key is to memorize and practice their use in daily life.

Cardinal Numbers in Multiples of 10

After learning cardinal numbers 1-20, understanding numbers in English becomes much easier. Here are the cardinal numbers in multiples of 10:

From 30 onward, most numbers follow a simple pattern, combining tens and single digits. For example: 

• 33 → Thirty-three
  47 → Forty-seven
  71 → Seventy-one

See? It’s easy! Practice them regularly and you’ll get it in no time. And, once you can master these, you will be ready to count and communicate around numbers in English in day-to-day situations with ease. 

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Hundreds of Cardinal Numbers (100 to 1,000)

Feeling confident in your learning up to this point? Great! Then let’s move on to the hundreds. These numbers are also quite useful in everyday situations like discussing prices, temperatures, time, and other large quantities.

For numbers between hundreds, simply add "and" plus the rest of the number, for example:

• 375 → Three hundred and seventy-five
• 642 → Six hundred and forty-two
• 918 → Nine hundred and eighteen

Keep practicing, and you will become comfortable with these numbers in any scenario, whether it is casual or professional.

Larger Cardinal Numbers (1,000 and Beyond)

Let’s now talk about the big numbers. These larger cardinal numbers are essential for discussing populations, distances, finances, and measurements. The figures might get longer, but no worries. They follow the same structure you've already learned but on a larger scale:

So, to read these larger numbers, we will follow the same pattern as smaller numbers:

• 1,234,567 → One million, two hundred thirty-four thousand, five hundred sixty-seven
• 45,678,901 → Forty-five million, six hundred seventy-eight thousand, nine hundred one
• 999,999,999 → Nine hundred ninety-nine million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine

And yes, we know what you are thinking… They can be a mouthful. So, when speaking, it's okay to pause slightly after each section (millions, thousands, hundreds) to make the number clearer.

Conclusion

In this article, you learned the meaning of cardinal numbers and their importance in the English language. From 1 to the millions, cardinal numbers are essential for expressing quantities, and they serve as a fundamental part of communication. 

We hope this guide has helped you understand how numbers are structured and used in everyday life. With practice, you’ll gain confidence in using these numbers naturally in conversations, writing, and real-world situations. Keep practicing, and soon, counting in English will feel effortless!