References

Beginner-friendly references for web development, with live, editable examples.

The HTML start attribute

Attribute All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML start attribute sets the number the ordered list starts counting from. It is used on the <ol> element.

Overview

The start attribute sets the start number of an ordered list. It is used on the <ol> element.

It controls the numbering of an <ol> ordered list: where it starts, which direction it counts, and the marker style. The browser handles the actual numbering for you.

Syntax

<ol start="5"> … </ol>

Values

Value
An integer.

Example

Live example 
<ol start="5"><li>Five</li><li>Six</li></ol>

Best practices

  • Let the browser number the items; never hand-type the numbers.
  • Use start and reversed to adjust the sequence instead of faking it.
  • Use <ol> only when order is meaningful; otherwise a <ul>.
  • Style or hide the markers with the CSS list-style property.

Frequently asked questions

What does the start attribute do?
Sets the start number of an ordered list.
Can start be zero or negative?
Yes. start takes any integer, including 0 and negative values, for example <ol start="-2">.
How do I number a list backwards?
Add the reversed attribute to the <ol>.
Which elements use the start attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on the <ol> element.
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