Top 63 Number Tattoo Ideas [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Often known as highly powerful symbolic expressions, numbers can represent events, order, mathematics, destiny, or luck, and can even go beyond our Earth within the stars and planets. They have a relationship with all things in nature and can serve as guides to one’s own self-exploration.

Numbers have existed since man began to count. The numerals from zero to nine are Arabic numerals, on which medieval Europeans based our modern number system since Gutenberg invented moveable type.

Roman numerals, which are especially popular number tattoos, come from the decimal system based on the number 10. Roman numeral tattoos are usually used to remember and embrace certain events that are greatly important to us, like an anniversary, a birthday, the Superbowl, or the day a loved one passed.

Numbers are very flexible in meaning, which is why their significance differs for every individual. There are some general symbolic values that are known amongst everyone, but in most cases, numbers represent something personally known by the wearer.

For those more in tune with the spiritual world, numbers are linked to numerology, Tarot, or superstition. For example, everyone knows the lucky number seven! There’s an endless list of possibilities one can accomplish with number tattoo ideas.

This lovely little tattoo is a good example of a more ornate script font used to enhance the visual appeal of a number. Here, the number 10 — no doubt holding some special meaning to the wearer — is created using a formal script font that incorporates exaggerated serifs and filigree to produce a more interesting and personalized tattoo design. The linework is consistent and fairly precise, although there are some small flaws in the fine line filigree work. The use of gray wash shading is well executed and helps to create a more dynamic tattoo.

This large black and gray piece is a great example of how striking a number tattoo can be. The script takes some elements from Chicano lettering but uses a more restrained approach than some of the ornate letters that come from that style. The smooth gray wash shading and precise linework add contrast and really work to make the negative space digits pop. There is no doubt this special date has major significance to the wearer, and this piece is a testament to the tattoo artist‘s skill and the wearer’s dedication.

This gruesome piece uses expert color gradation and shading to create a unique tattoo. While this design is definitely not for everyone, the tattooing skill and technique are impeccable; it really looks like someone carved the number 629 into this person‘s arm. The attention to detail is also impressive. The artist used a lighter red tone outside the “cuts” to give the impression of the surrounding skin being irritated and inflamed. This piece is sure to turn heads and shock soccer moms.

 

This is a great black and gray tattoo design of the number 13, a commonly used number that has held all kinds of meanings and connotations over the years. Here, the artist uses varying tones of gray wash in combination with even and precise cross-hatching to add contrast to this tattoo. The black ink at the bottom of this piece is fully saturated and the outline helps give the tattoo a rough, jagged quality, while the use of splattered and dripping ink completes this design, helping create a more dynamic tattoo. This is a great example of what a simple concept can become with the help of a talented, creative tattoo artist.

This is an interesting design that incorporates numbers and symbols to create a unique tattoo. The ragged script evokes images of letters carved into wood, thanks to the consistent linework and fully saturated black ink. The use of the natural lines of the elbow, with the numbers spiraling out from the center, works well and could hold some deeper significance. The placement and stylized script all work well in this tattoo and help give this possible occult/numerological piece a mystical quality.

This interesting design uses several different elements to create a unique take on number tattoos. A binary code, falling like rain from a cloud, could represent the wearer’s profession as a programmer or their passion for mathematics. Or, it could also simply be a design they liked. Whatever the meaning, this interesting black and gray tattoo uses excellent stipple shading to create raindrops and uniform, well-saturated linework to create clouds and numbers. This is a great example of the way numbers can be combined with other design elements to create a one-of-a-kind tattoo design.

This is a classic tattoo that evokes images of racecar numbers and old-school Americana. The overall design is even and well-balanced, and the placement on the back of the arm above the elbow ensures that the wearer can regularly show it off. The linework is precise and consistent, and the gray wash shading within the numerals, as well as behind them, is smooth and increases contrast, helping the numbers to pop.

This is a great piece that effectively uses gray wash to create texture and help it stand out from other number tattoos. The artist uses varying gray tones to perfectly create the impression of script chiseled in aging marble, evoking images of the Parthenon and Greek art. The linework used to create the cracks completes this effect, while the organization of the text creates a well-balanced composition. This is an interesting design that demonstrates the artist’s skill in creating realistic, life-like textures on the body.

Here is a great number tattoo that uses different shading techniques to great effect. This piece also makes use of alternating geometric and natural patterns that come from Polynesian designs. The diamonds at the top of the piece, as well as the rolling waves, are all common elements in these tribal tattoos and are perfectly executed here. The precise and consistent stipple work, as well as the smooth lines and saturated black, show off the artist’s patience and diligence and help to set this interesting tattoo apart from other pieces that incorporate numbers.