Markdown Numbered List Syntax

Learn how to create ordered lists using numbers in Markdown

Quick Reference

Syntax

1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item

Result

  1. First item
  2. Second item
  3. Third item

Basic Numbered List Usage

Numbered lists (also called ordered lists) in Markdown are created using numbers followed by periods and a space. The actual numbers you use don't matter - Markdown will automatically number them sequentially.

Example 1: Basic Numbered List

Markdown:

1. First item 2. Second item 3. Third item 4. Fourth item

Output:

  1. First item
  2. Second item
  3. Third item
  4. Fourth item

Example 2: Auto-numbering

Markdown:

1. First item 1. Second item (still shows as #2) 1. Third item (still shows as #3) 5. Fourth item (still shows as #4)

Output:

  1. First item
  2. Second item (still shows as #2)
  3. Third item (still shows as #3)
  4. Fourth item (still shows as #4)

Advanced Numbered List Techniques

Nested Numbered Lists

Create nested lists by indenting with 3 spaces or 1 tab:

Markdown:

1. Main item one 1. Sub-item 1.1 2. Sub-item 1.2 2. Main item two 1. Sub-item 2.1 1. Sub-sub-item 2.1.1 2. Sub-sub-item 2.1.2 2. Sub-item 2.2 3. Main item three

Output:

  1. Main item one
    1. Sub-item 1.1
    2. Sub-item 1.2
  2. Main item two
    1. Sub-item 2.1
      1. Sub-sub-item 2.1.1
      2. Sub-sub-item 2.1.2
    2. Sub-item 2.2
  3. Main item three

Mixed Lists (Numbered and Bulleted)

Combine numbered and bulleted lists:

Markdown:

1. Setup process - Download software - Install dependencies - Configure settings 2. Testing phase - Unit tests - Integration tests - User acceptance tests 3. Deployment - Production build - Server deployment

Output:

  1. Setup process
    • Download software
    • Install dependencies
    • Configure settings
  2. Testing phase
    • Unit tests
    • Integration tests
    • User acceptance tests
  3. Deployment
    • Production build
    • Server deployment

Multi-paragraph List Items

Add multiple paragraphs to list items by indenting:

Markdown:

1. First item This is a paragraph under the first item. This is another paragraph under the first item. 2. Second item Here's some content for the second item. 3. Third item

Output:

  1. First item

    This is a paragraph under the first item.

    This is another paragraph under the first item.

  2. Second item

    Here's some content for the second item.

  3. Third item

Best Practices

✅ Do This

  • Use consistent indentation: 3 spaces or 1 tab for nested items
  • Start with "1.": Even if using auto-numbering, start with 1
  • Add blank lines: Between list items with multiple paragraphs
  • Use meaningful content: Make list items descriptive and actionable

❌ Avoid This

  • Inconsistent spacing: Mixing tabs and spaces for indentation
  • Missing periods: Using "1" instead of "1."
  • Wrong indentation: Using 2 or 4 spaces instead of 3
  • No space after period: Using "1.Item" instead of "1. Item"

Common Issues and Solutions

❌ Problem: Wrong Indentation

Wrong (2 spaces):

1. Main item 1. Sub-item (won't nest properly)

Correct (3 spaces):

1. Main item 1. Sub-item (will nest properly)

Use exactly 3 spaces or 1 tab for proper nesting.

❌ Problem: Missing Space After Period

Wrong:

1.First item 2.Second item

Correct:

1. First item 2. Second item

Always include a space after the period.

Try Numbered Lists Yourself!

Practice numbered list syntax with our free online converter.

Try Markdown to HTMLMore Syntax Examples

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Complete Guide

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