References

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

The HTML 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> ordered list (and its <li> items).

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> ordered list (and its <li> items).
type (input) type (object)