How do you create a numbered list in markdown?

Start each line with a number followed by a period and a space: 1. First item, 2. Second item. The actual numbers you type mostly do not matter — most parsers auto-increment from the first item.

Can you start a markdown numbered list at a number other than 1?

Yes. The first number in the list sets the starting value. Start with 5. to begin at 5, or any other number. Only the first number matters; subsequent numbers are ignored by most parsers.

What is lazy numbering in markdown?

Lazy numbering means using 1. for every list item instead of incrementing the numbers. The parser automatically sequences them 1, 2, 3 in the output. This makes reordering easier since you never need to renumber.

How do you create a nested numbered list in markdown?

Indent sub-items by 3 spaces (aligning after the number and period of the parent): 1. Main step, then three spaces and 1. Sub-step on the next line.

How to Create a Numbered List in Markdown

The quick answer: Start each line with a number followed by a period and a space — 1. First item. Markdown automatically sequences the rendered numbers from your starting value.

Basic Syntax

1. First step 2. Second step 3. Third step

This renders as a sequentially numbered list: 1, 2, 3. The numbers you type in the source don't all need to match — only the first number sets the starting value. For all ordered and unordered list syntax in one place, see the Markdown list reference.

The "Lazy Numbering" Pattern

Many experienced markdown writers use 1. for every item: 1. First item 1. Second item 1. Third item

This still renders as 1, 2, 3 in the output. The advantage: when you reorder items or insert a new item in the middle, you never need to renumber anything. This is especially helpful in long tutorials or procedure documents that get updated frequently.

Starting at a Custom Number

The first number in the list sets the starting value: 5. Fifth item 6. Sixth item 7. Seventh item

This renders starting at 5. Only the first number matters; subsequent numbers are overridden by the parser's auto-increment.

Use cases for custom starting numbers:

Continuation lists that follow another list on the page
Step sequences that pick up from a previous section
Numbered examples starting at a specific reference number

Nested Numbered Lists

Indent sub-items by enough spaces to go past the parent's list marker. For 1. items, indent 3 spaces: 1. Main step 1. Sub-step A 2. Sub-step B 2. Next main step

For two-digit numbers like 10., indent 4 spaces to clear the marker.

Mixed Lists: Numbers and Bullets Together

Numbered and bullet lists can be nested inside each other: 1. Install prerequisites - Node.js 18 or higher - npm 8 or higher 2. Clone the repository 3. Run the setup - For macOS: ./setup-mac.sh`` - For Windows: setup-windows.bat``

Multi-Paragraph List Items

Add multiple paragraphs to a numbered list item by indenting continuation text by 4 spaces: 1. First step: install the package. Run the following command in your terminal. Make sure you have administrator access before proceeding. 2. Second step: configure the environment.

Platform-by-Platform Breakdown

GitHub and GitLab

Full support. GitHub correctly handles lazy numbering, custom start values, and nested lists. The rendered HTML uses the start attribute on the

Obsidian

Full support. The Tab key in Obsidian's editor automatically indents list items to create nesting.

Notion

Notion supports numbered lists in markdown import. Nested numbered lists are converted to Notion's native numbered list blocks with sub-items.

Discord

Discord renders numbered lists correctly. Items display with sequential numbers regardless of what numbers you typed in the source.

Slack

Slack supports numbered lists with 1. syntax. Items render with numbers in the Slack message.

Common Mistakes

Missing the Period

1 First item

1. First item

Missing the Space

1.First item

.

1. First item

Interrupting a List with Content

If you add content without proper indentation between list items, it ends the list. To continue a list after a code block or other block element, you usually need to restart with a new list (renumbering manually or using a custom start number).

Using Numbered Lists When Order Doesn't Matter

Numbered lists imply a sequence. Don't use them for unordered collections (features, options, examples) just because you like the way numbers look. Use bullet lists for unordered content — this communicates meaning to the reader.

Numbered Lists vs Bullet Lists: When to Use Which

| Use numbered lists for | Use bullet lists for | | --- | --- | | Step-by-step instructions | Features and capabilities | | Ranked items (Top 5...) | Options without preference | | Sequential processes | Unordered collections | | Tutorial steps | Considerations and notes |

Real-World Use Cases

Technical Tutorials

Step-by-step guides are the canonical use case for numbered lists. "Step 1: Install", "Step 2: Configure", "Step 3: Run" — the sequence is critical and numbered lists communicate that clearly.

Runbooks and SOPs

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and runbooks almost always use numbered lists for procedures. When something goes wrong at 2am, engineers need to follow steps in exact order — numbered lists make that unambiguous.

AI-Generated Procedures

When you ask ChatGPT or Claude to generate a procedure or tutorial, the output uses numbered lists for sequential steps. Paste into MarkdownTools and export as PDF — the clean, elegant, and classic themes all render numbered lists with proper hierarchy.

Full reference: Markdown Numbered Lists.

Ready to put this into practice? Paste your markdown into the free MarkdownTools PDF exporter or HTML converter — no signup required.