Numbers are a universal language, but learning numbers in Spanish will help you communicate better and in different ways. Numbers can seem scary at first because they sound so different than they do in English (I get it, I’ve been there). But they’re actually very straight forward, and once you learn the basics the rest will be smooth sailing.

So whether you want to visit a Spanish-speaking country, communicate with Hispanic friends, or you’re just learning Spanish for fun, your time has come to learn all about numbers in Spanish. 

This guide will take you step by step through the Spanish number system, from the basics to more advanced uses. Along the way, we’ll answer common questions like:

• What are the numbers 1 to 20 in Spanish?
• How do you say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in Spanish?
• How do you spell numbers 1 to 100 in Spanish?

So grab a notebook and let’s get started!

Basic Numbers: 1 to 20

This is where all Spanish learners begin. Numbers 1–20 are necessary for basic conversations, whether you’re counting items, saying your age, or mentioning the date. The best part about this range is that each number has its own distinct word—no complicated word formulas yet!

Here’s your list of numbers from 1 to 20 in Spanish:

• 1 – uno
• 2 – dos
• 3 – tres
• 4 – cuatro
• 5 – cinco
• 6 – seis
• 7 – siete
• 8 – ocho
• 9 – nueve
• 10 – diez
• 11 – once
• 12 – doce
• 13 – trece
• 14 – catorce
• 15 – quince
• 16 – dieciséis
• 17 – diecisiete
• 18 – dieciocho
• 19 – diecinueve
• 20 – veinte

From 1 to 15, each number is a distinct word, so it’s a matter of memorization. Starting at 16, the numbers combine “diez” (ten) with the unit. So sixteen would be diez + seis = dieciséis. Notice the small spelling changes to make the words flow smoothly. 

Example Sentences

• Tengo dos perros. (I have two dogs.)
• Hoy es el quince de noviembre. (Today is the fifteenth of November.)
• Compré veinte manzanas. (I bought twenty apples.)
• Leí nueve libros. (I read nine books.)

Counting by Tens: 20 to 100

Once you’ve nailed 1 to 20, it’s time to level up! 

The numbers 20 to 100 follow a logical pattern that makes them easier to learn. Spanish numbers are incredibly systematic once you understand the basics.

Here are the tens from 20 to 100 in Spanish:

• 20 – veinte
• 30 – treinta
• 40 – cuarenta
• 50 – cincuenta
• 60 – sesenta
• 70 – setenta
• 80 – ochenta
• 90 – noventa
• 100 – cien

Building Numbers Between Tens

The formula is simple: take the tens number, add y (and), and then the unit number. For example:

• 32 – treinta y dos (thirty-two)
• 47 – cuarenta y siete (forty-seven)
• 56 – cincuenta y seis (fifty-six)

The exception here is 20, which fuses into a single word with the units:

• 21 – veintiuno
• 22 – veintidos
• 23 – veintitres
• 24 – veinticuatro
• 25 – veinticinco
• 26 – veintiseis
• 27 – veintisiete
• 28 – veintiocho
• 29 – veintinueve

Example Sentences

• Mi hermano tiene treinta y cinco años. (My brother is thirty-five years old.)
• Hay cincuenta estudiantes en la clase. (There are fifty students in the class.)
• Pagamos noventa y nueve dólares por esa cena. (We paid ninety-nine dollars for that dinner.)
• Mi padre cumple sesenta años. (My father turns sixty years old.)

Numbers Beyond 100: Hundreds and Thousands

If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to take on hundreds and even thousands. While these larger numbers might seem intimidating, they’re just as logical as the smaller ones.

Here’s a breakdown of the hundreds and thousands in Spanish:

• 100 – cien 
• 200 – doscientos
• 300 – trescientos
• 400 – cuatrocientos
• 500 – quinientos
• 600 – seiscientos
• 700 – setecientos
• 800 – ochocientos
• 900 – novecientos
• 1,000 – mil

How It Works

Numbers between 101 and 199 start with ciento + units. For example:

• 101 – ciento uno
• 156 – ciento cincuenta y seis
• 178 – ciento setenta y ocho

Larger numbers follow the same “tens + units” structure as before:

• 325 – trescientos veinticinco
• 536 – quinientos treinta y seis
• 849 – ochocientos cuarenta y nueve

Example Sentences

• Hay más de mil personas en la fiesta. (There are more than a thousand people at the party.)
• Compré un reloj que cuesta trescientos euros. (I bought a watch that costs three hundred euros.)
• El edificio tiene novecientos noventa y nueve pisos. (The building has nine hundred ninety-nine floors.)
• Hay quinientas personas en el concierto. (There are five houndred people in the concert.)

Tips for Using Spanish Numbers in Real Life

Learning numbers isn’t just about memorization—it’s about knowing when and how to use them in context. Here are some practical tips:

Spelling Numbers

In Spanish, numbers are usually written as one continuous word (e.g., veintidós for 22). This makes reading easier once you’ve learned the spelling rules.

Ordinal Numbers

While cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3…) are used for counting, ordinal numbers like primero (first) and segundo (second) are used to describe position or rank. They’re worth learning once you’ve mastered the basics!

Also for you: A Beginner’s Guide to Ordinal Numbers in Spanish

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice numbers by using them in real-life situations:

• Count your groceries in Spanish as you shop.
• Say the time out loud in Spanish.
• Use numbers when talking about prices or dates.

Keep Practicing Numbers in Spanish!

Learning Spanish numbers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little practice and patience, you’ll go from asking, “How do you spell numbers 1 to 100 in Spanish?” to using them fluently in conversation.

So start small—master the basics, then build up to the larger numbers. Practice every day, and you’ll find that Spanish numbers become second nature.

Remember, every step forward is progress. ¡Tú puedes! (You can do it!)

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