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.

Basic Syntax

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

The numbers render sequentially in the output. Interestingly, the actual numbers you type mostly don't matter — most parsers auto-increment from the first item's number.

Lazy Numbering

A common convention is to use 1. for every item: 1. First item 1. Second item 1. Third item

This renders as 1, 2, 3 in the output. The advantage: you can reorder items without renumbering.

Starting at a Different Number

To start a list at 5, begin with 5.: 5. Fifth item 6. Sixth item

Only the first number matters — subsequent numbers are ignored by most parsers.

Nested Numbered Lists

Indent with 3 spaces (to align after the number + period) for sub-items: 1. Main step 1. Sub-step A 2. Sub-step B 2. Next main step

Mix with Bullet Lists

You can nest bullet lists inside numbered lists and vice versa: 1. Install dependencies - Node.js - npm 2. Run the server

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Full reference: Markdown Numbered Lists.