How to Sign ASL Numbers 1 to 10
Learn how to sign ASL numbers 1-10. Note that 1-5 face the palm inward and 6-9 use the thumb-to-finger pinch. Step-by-step guide with a full chart and tips.
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Quick answer
In ASL, numbers 1-5 are signed with the palm facing inward toward yourself: 1 is the index finger, 2 the index and middle, 3 the thumb-index-middle, 4 the four fingers (thumb tucked), and 5 the full open hand. Numbers 6-9 are made by touching the thumb to a specific finger, and 10 is a thumbs-up fist shaken.
How to Sign ASL Numbers 1 to 10
Counting from 1 to 10 is a foundational skill in American Sign Language (ASL), and the basic set fits neatly on one hand. The key rule for beginners: cardinal numbers 1 through 5 face the palm inward (toward yourself), while 6 through 9 face the palm outward and are formed by touching the thumb to a specific fingertip. Number 10 is a thumbs-up fist with a small shake.
This palm-orientation rule trips up many newcomers, who instinctively hold up fingers palm-out the way hearing people often do when counting aloud. In ASL, getting the orientation right is part of signing numbers correctly.
Step-by-Step: The ASL Number Chart 1-10
| Number | Handshape | Palm Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Index finger up, others folded | Inward (toward you) |
| 2 | Index and middle fingers up | Inward |
| 3 | Thumb, index, and middle fingers up | Inward |
| 4 | Four fingers up, thumb tucked across palm | Inward |
| 5 | All five fingers spread, open hand | Inward |
| 6 | Thumb touches pinky; other fingers up | Outward |
| 7 | Thumb touches ring finger; others up | Outward |
| 8 | Thumb touches middle finger; others up | Outward |
| 9 | Thumb touches index finger; others up | Outward |
| 10 | Thumbs-up fist, shaken slightly | Thumb up |
A helpful pattern: 6, 7, 8, and 9 walk the thumb across the fingers from pinky to index.
The Two Halves: 1-5 vs. 6-10
ASL numbers split into two visual systems, which makes them easier to remember once you see the logic.
| Group | Rule | Visual Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | Raise that many fingers, palm in | Direct count on the fingers |
| 6-9 | Thumb pinches one fingertip, palm out | Thumb “marks” the count |
| 10 | Thumbs-up fist, shaken | A capstone gesture |
Number 3 is a notable feature: ASL uses the thumb, index, and middle finger for 3, not the index, middle, and ring fingers that many hearing people use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Facing 1-5 outward. Cardinal 1-5 should face your palm inward; flipping them outward is the most common beginner error.
- Signing 3 with the wrong fingers. ASL 3 uses thumb-index-middle, not index-middle-ring.
- Forgetting the shake on 10. Without the small twist, 10 looks like a plain thumbs-up.
- Tucking the thumb wrong on 4. For 4, the thumb folds across the palm while four fingers stay up.
ASL Numbers Across Sign Languages
Number systems differ across the world’s independent sign languages.
| Sign Language | Approach |
|---|---|
| American (ASL) | One-handed 1-10 with the palm-orientation rule |
| British (BSL) | Often two-handed for many numbers |
| Australian (Auslan) | Related to BSL; differs from ASL |
| French (LSF) | Its own one-handed number system |
Related Signs to Learn Next
Once you can count 1-10, these signs extend your number fluency:
- NUMBERS 11-20 — built on the 1-10 handshapes with added flicks and movements.
- AGE — combine numbers with the AGE sign to state how old someone is.
- MONEY — pair with numbers for prices and amounts.
- COLORS — describe quantities of colored objects.
- HOW MANY — a useful question to prompt a number answer.
Mastering 1 through 10 — with correct palm orientation — gives you a solid, practical foundation for counting, telling time, stating ages, and much more in ASL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sign the number 1 in ASL?
To sign 1, point your index finger straight up while folding the other fingers and thumb down, with the palm facing toward yourself. In American Sign Language, the cardinal numbers 1 through 5 are signed with the palm facing in, which differs from how many hearing people casually hold up fingers palm-out.
Why do ASL numbers 1-5 face the palm inward?
In ASL, the cardinal numbers 1 through 5 are conventionally signed with the palm facing the signer, while 6 through 9 face outward. This palm orientation is part of standard ASL number grammar and helps distinguish counting numbers from other uses. Holding 1-5 palm-out is a common beginner habit to unlearn.
How do you sign 6, 7, 8, and 9 in ASL?
Numbers 6-9 each touch the thumb to a different fingertip while the remaining fingers stay extended. 6 touches the thumb to the pinky, 7 to the ring finger, 8 to the middle finger, and 9 to the index finger. These are signed with the palm facing outward.
How do you sign 10 in ASL?
To sign 10, make a fist with your thumb pointing up (a thumbs-up A handshape) and shake or twist it slightly. The small shaking motion distinguishes 10 from a plain thumbs-up. It is the capstone of the basic 1-10 number set.
Is signing numbers the same in every sign language?
No. Number signs differ across the world's independent sign languages. British Sign Language, for instance, uses two hands for many numbers, while ASL signs 1-10 on one hand. Each sign language has its own number system, so ASL numbers are specific to ASL.