English Gematria vs Simple Gematria
English Gematria and Simple Gematria are among the most commonly confused terms in the field. On many calculators they produce the exact same number — yet the labels are used for different things by different sites. This guide explains what each term actually means and how to avoid the confusion.
What Is English Ordinal?
English Ordinal is the foundational English gematria cipher. It assigns sequential values to letters in alphabetical order: A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on through Z=26. "Ordinal" refers to this ordered sequence. It is the most intuitive starting point because you can calculate any word by counting through the alphabet.
English Ordinal is the system most people encounter first. LOVE = L(12) + O(15) + V(22) + E(5) = 54. TRUTH = T(20) + R(18) + U(21) + T(20) + H(8) = 87. These totals are consistent and reproducible on any calculator that correctly implements the A=1 cipher.
What Is Simple Gematria?
Simple Gematria is a name used for the same A=1 through Z=26 mapping on many calculators, including Gematria Explorer. In practice, Simple Gematria and English Ordinal use identical letter values and will produce the same total for any word.
The term "Simple" emphasizes the straightforward nature of the system — it is the simplest possible linear assignment of values to letters. Because the underlying cipher is identical to English Ordinal, there is no mathematical difference between them on this site.
Why They May Use the Same A=1 to Z=26 Mapping
Both English Ordinal and Simple Gematria arrived at the same underlying rule independently. The ordinal name describes the method of counting; the simple name describes the character of the values. When two different names describe the same rule, they produce the same results.
On Gematria Explorer, Simple Gematria and English Ordinal are listed as separate methods to reflect how different communities label them. Their values are identical, so you will see the same number for both when calculating any English word.
| Letter | English Ordinal | Simple Gematria |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | 1 |
| J | 10 | 10 |
| S | 19 | 19 |
| Z | 26 | 26 |
| LOVE (full word) | 54 | 54 |
The Ambiguity of "English Gematria"
The phrase "English Gematria" without a qualifier is genuinely ambiguous. Some sources use it to mean the same A=1 to Z=26 system. Others use it for a sixfold cipher where A=6, B=12, C=18, and so on — the same system this site calls Sumerian Gematria (because the multiplied values were historically associated with Sumerian sexagesimal notation).
This sixfold version is sometimes called "English Extended," "English Gematria," or "Sumerian." Because the name is inconsistent across the internet, always check the actual letter values when comparing results from different sites rather than relying on the label.
Example: LOVE in Each Variant
To make the difference concrete, here is how LOVE calculates in the three related systems discussed in this guide. English Ordinal and Simple Gematria give the same answer. The sixfold system gives a different, larger answer.
| System | A value | Z value | LOVE value |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Ordinal | 1 | 26 | 54 |
| Simple Gematria | 1 | 26 | 54 |
| Sumerian (sixfold) | 6 | 156 | 324 |
When to Use English Ordinal
Use English Ordinal when you want the most widely recognized and easiest-to-verify English cipher. It is the default choice for comparing words, exploring number connections, and explaining gematria to someone new. Most gematria discussions on the internet use this system unless another is specified.
When to Use Simple Gematria
Simple Gematria is mathematically identical to English Ordinal on this site, so you can use either. If a source you are referencing specifically says "Simple Gematria," using the Simple Gematria method here ensures your labels match, even though the number will be the same.
If you encounter "Simple Gematria" elsewhere and get a different number than English Ordinal, the other site may be using a non-standard definition. Check its letter table to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are English Ordinal and Simple Gematria always the same?
On Gematria Explorer, yes — both use A=1 through Z=26 and produce identical values. On other sites, the name "Simple Gematria" might occasionally refer to a different mapping, so always verify the letter values.
What is the value of LOVE in Simple Gematria?
LOVE = 54 in Simple Gematria (L=12, O=15, V=22, E=5). This is identical to the English Ordinal value because both methods use the A=1 to Z=26 cipher.
How is English Gematria different from Jewish Gematria?
English Ordinal / Simple Gematria uses A=1 through Z=26. Jewish Gematria (as implemented on English-language calculators) uses a non-linear scale where letters like S=100, T=200, and Z=800, producing much higher totals for the same word.
Is Sumerian Gematria the same as English Gematria?
Only if "English Gematria" refers to the sixfold system (A=6, B=12…). In that case, Sumerian and English Gematria are the same cipher. But "English Gematria" often just means English Ordinal (A=1, B=2…), which is different. The ambiguity is why checking the actual letter values is so important.
Which method should I start with as a beginner?
English Ordinal (or Simple Gematria, which is the same thing) is the best starting point. It is intuitive, widely used, and easy to verify by hand with just the alphabet.