Are you wondering which number will make your blog titles more clickable and engaging? Want to discover the best-performing numbers for blog post headlines based on research and data?

You’ll find the best numbers to use in this infographic from Venngage.

Here’s what they cover:

• Number 10 is the best number to use
• Number 5 is a close second
• Never use number 2
• Numbers 3, 4 & 7 are always a good choice
• Avoid using the teens
• Always use the numeral

Check out the post below for more information.

Numbers in blog post titles are a powerful tool for grabbing attention, setting expectations, and boosting engagement. But not all numbers perform equally. If you’ve ever wondered whether “10 Tips for a Productive Morning” will perform better than “5 Ways to Stay Motivated,” you’re not alone.

To find the ultimate number to use in blog post titles, researchers analyzed over 121,000 unique articles and their social media shares. The results? Some numbers consistently outperform others. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the best numbers to use, the numbers to avoid, and why numerals work better than words.

Why Do Numbers Work So Well in Blog Titles?

Before diving into the ultimate number, let’s first explore why numbers are such a key ingredient in high-performing blog titles.

• They set clear expectations – Readers know exactly what they’re getting before they click.
• They make content scannable – Numbered lists break information into digestible chunks.
• They stand out visually – A numeral in a sea of text catches the eye.
• They create curiosity – Odd or unusual numbers spark intrigue.
• They imply value – A numbered list suggests a well-organized and thorough resource.

Now that we understand why numbers work, let’s find out which numbers work best.

The Best Number to Use in Your Blog Title

The Clear Winner: 10

The research is clear—blog posts with the number 10 in their title get the highest number of social media shares. On average, titles with “10” significantly outperformed other numbers, making it the ultimate choice.

Why does 10 work so well?

• It feels complete and well-rounded.
• It’s easy to digest without being overwhelming.
• It’s a culturally significant number (e.g., top 10 lists, 10 commandments, 10 fingers).

Example Titles Using 10:

• “10 Simple Habits for a Healthier Life”
• “10 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Finances”
• “10 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills”

If you’re stuck choosing a number, 10 is the safest bet.

A Close Second: 5

The second-best number for blog titles is 5. While not as powerful as 10, it still performs exceptionally well across social networks.

Why does 5 work?

• It’s small enough to feel manageable.
• It suggests a quick and easy read.
• It’s commonly used in “Top 5” lists.

Example Titles Using 5:

• “5 Essential Exercises for Weight Loss”
• “5 Productivity Hacks You Need to Try”
• “5 Signs You’re Ready for a Career Change”

If you’re writing a shorter post or aiming for a quick-read listicle, 5 is a strong choice.

Other Strong Contenders: 3, 4, and 7

If 10 or 5 doesn’t work for your post, research shows that 3, 4, and 7 are solid alternatives.

Why 3 Works:

• The “Rule of Three” makes concepts easier to remember.
• It suggests a short but valuable list.

Examples:

• “3 Strategies to Overcome Procrastination”
• “3 Ways to Save More Money Each Month”

Why 4 Works:

• It offers a balanced alternative to 3 and 5.
• It feels structured and informative.

Examples:

• “4 Steps to Mastering Public Speaking”
• “4 Ingredients for a Perfect Smoothie”

Why 7 Works:

• It’s associated with luck and completeness.
• It stands out as an unusual choice.

Examples:

• “7 Secrets to a Happy Relationship”
• “7 Myths About Weight Loss Debunked”

If you’re looking for a strong alternative to 10 or 5, these numbers are reliable options.

The Worst Number to Use in Your Blog Title

Avoid Using the Number 2

Surprisingly, research found that 2 is the worst-performing number in blog post titles. Articles with “2” in the title received only 5% of the median shares of top-performing numbers.

Why does 2 fail?

• It feels incomplete or too limited.
• It doesn’t promise enough variety.

Example Titles That May Not Work Well:

• “2 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health”
• “2 Strategies for Better Sleep”

While 2 isn’t completely useless, it’s best to opt for a different number if possible.

The Numbers to Avoid: The “Teen” Range

Numbers between 13 and 19 tend to perform poorly in blog titles. These numbers don’t resonate as well with readers and often receive lower engagement.

Possible reasons for this:

• They don’t have the universal appeal of 10 or 5.
• They might seem too specific or random.
• They aren’t commonly used in listicle-style content.

If you’re tempted to use a teen number, consider rounding up or down to a more effective number.

Should You Write Numbers as Numerals or Words?

Another important factor is how you present the number. Should you write “Ten Tips for a Healthier Life” or “10 Tips for a Healthier Life?

The research is conclusive—always use numerals.

Titles with numerals (e.g., 10, 5, 3) received 400% more median shares than titles that spelled out numbers (e.g., Ten, Five, Three).

Why numerals work better:

• They visually stand out in a headline.
• They take up less space, making the title more scannable.
• Readers process numerals faster than written words.

Example:

• “10 Ways to Reduce Stress” (Best choice)
• “Ten Ways to Reduce Stress” (Less effective)

If you’re including a number in your title, always use the digit.

Key Takeaways: The Best and Worst Numbers for Blog Titles

The Best Numbers to Use:

• 10 – The ultimate number for high engagement.
• 5 – A strong second choice, great for quick lists.
• 3, 4, 7 – Other effective options that work well.

The Worst Numbers to Use:

• 2 – The least engaging number in blog titles.
• Teen numbers (13-19) – Generally underperforming.

Always Use Numerals:

• Titles with numbers in digit form (e.g., “10” instead of “Ten”) get significantly more shares.

Final Thoughts

If you want to maximize engagement, 10 is the ultimate number to use in your blog titles. It’s visually appealing, familiar, and proven to generate the most social media shares.

However, if 10 doesn’t suit your topic, 5, 3, 4, and 7 are strong alternatives. On the flip side, avoid using 2 and teen numbers, as they don’t perform as well.

Lastly, always write numbers as numerals to increase visibility and engagement.

Next time you craft a blog title, keep these insights in mind—your clicks and shares will thank you!