In this blog post, kids will learn about two types of numbers: cardinal and ordinal numbers, with simple wording and easy examples to understand them better in daily use. Learning about numbers is very important in English because they help us count, show order, and explain things clearly.
What Are Cardinal Numbers?
Cardinal numbers are numbers that tell how many of something there are.
They show quantity.
Examples of Cardinal Numbers:
- one
- two
- three
- four
- five
These numbers answer the question: How many?
For example:
- I have three pencils.
- She ate two apples.

Cardinal Numbers 1–20 for Kids
Number | Word |
---|---|
1 | one |
2 | two |
3 | three |
4 | four |
5 | five |
6 | six |
7 | seven |
8 | eight |
9 | nine |
10 | ten |
11 | eleven |
12 | twelve |
13 | thirteen |
14 | fourteen |
15 | fifteen |
16 | sixteen |
17 | seventeen |
18 | eighteen |
19 | nineteen |
20 | twenty |
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are numbers that tell the order or position of something.
They show which place something is in a line or a list.
Examples of Ordinal Numbers:
- first
- second
- third
- fourth
- fifth
These numbers answer the question: Which one?
For example:
- Ali stood in first place.
- My house is on the second floor.

Ordinal Numbers 1st–20th for Kids
Number | Word |
---|---|
1st | first |
2nd | second |
3rd | third |
4th | fourth |
5th | fifth |
6th | sixth |
7th | seventh |
8th | eighth |
9th | ninth |
10th | tenth |
11th | eleventh |
12th | twelfth |
13th | thirteenth |
14th | fourteenth |
15th | fifteenth |
16th | sixteenth |
17th | seventeenth |
18th | eighteenth |
19th | nineteenth |
20th | twentieth |
Cardinal numbers help you count things, and ordinal numbers help you show order. These numbers are very useful in school, games, and everyday life. Keep practicing them to make your English stronger!
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