References

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

The HTML <ol> type attribute

Attribute All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML type attribute sets the numbering style of an ordered list. It is used on the <ol> element.

Overview

The type attribute sets the marker style 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 type="A"> … </ol>

Values

Value
1 (numbers, default) | a (lowercase letters) | A (uppercase letters) | i (lowercase Roman) | I (uppercase Roman)

Example

Live example 
<ol type="A"><li>First</li><li>Second</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 type attribute do?
Sets the marker style of an ordered list.
How do I change where an ordered list starts?
Set the start attribute, e.g. <ol start="5">.
How do I number a list backwards?
Add the reversed attribute to the <ol>.
Which elements use the type attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on the <ol> element.
type (input) type (object)