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The Daily Insight

Where do numbers go in ASL

Author

Mia Morrison

Published Apr 12, 2026

When you’re indicating quantity and counting things, sign the numbers 1 through 5 and 11 through 15 with your palm facing you, and the numbers 6 through 10 and 16 through 19 with your palm facing the person to whom you’re signing.

How do you sign the number 2?

The number 2 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, facing towards you, with your index and middle fingers sticking out. The number 2 looks like the letter V, but this letter has the fist facing out. So to sign the number 2, make sure your fist is facing inward.

What is the rule of 9 in ASL?

The Rule of 9 in American Sign Language (ASL) is a term that describes a rule or pattern in numeral incorporation that a number only up to 9 is incorporated with a regular sign, usually related to time with a few exceptions.

How do you sign the number 4 in ASL?

To make the number four in sign language, just put four fingers of the hand (but not the thumb) up. Keep the thumb inside the palm.

What number in ASL looks like L?

The number 25 sign looks like the ASL number ‘5’ hand, only it starts out facing outward. Then bend your middle finger forward twice, as if to show the demarcation of a compound sign: the letter L (which stands for the number ‘2’ in ’20’ onwards), then the number 5 facing outward.

How do you sign 2 in ASL?

The number 2 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, facing towards you, with your index and middle fingers sticking out. The number 2 looks like the letter V, but this letter has the fist facing out. So to sign the number 2, make sure your fist is facing inward.

What number is L in ASL?

The numbers 20 through 29 have different handshapes from the number two. So better practice on these numbers more. Use the “L” handshape for the “2” part from 23 to 29.

How do you sign the number 9?

The number 9 is signed by holding up your open, dominant hand, facing out, then touching your thumb and index finger together. Make sure to flatten out your thumb and index a bit more. Otherwise, if you form a circle with your thumb and index finger touching, it will look like you are signing the letter ‘F’.

How do you sign the number 5?

The number 5 is signed by holding up your dominant hand, facing towards you, and sticking out all your 5 fingers.

What is the rule of 9's burn chart?

For adults, a “Rule of Nines” chart is widely used to determine the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) that has been burnt (10,15,16). The chart divides the body into sections that represent 9 percent of the body surface area. It is inaccurate for children, and should be used in adults only.

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What are the 5 ASL parameters?

In American Sign Language (ASL), we use the 5 Parameters of ASL to describe how a sign behaves within the signer’s space. The parameters are handshape, palm orientation, movement, location, and expression/non-manual signals.

What does Cardinal mean in ASL?

Cardinal numbers are the numbers you use for counting: one, two, three…and so on. Ordinal Numbers are used to indicate position: first, second, third, fourth…and so on. … Cardinal numbers are 1, 2, 3… Ordinal numbers, 1st, 2nd, 3rd… In ASL we do cardinal numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

How do you sign the number 12?

The number 12 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, facing toward you, while your index and middle fingers are raised (actually signing the number ‘2’ initially). Then flick your index and middle fingers against your thumb twice.

How do you sign hundreds?

The rest of the “hundred” series (111, through 199) you just show the number 100 (1-C) followed by the second number. You’d sign 111 by showing a “one” then a “C” then the number eleven. Use that system from 111 through 199. Here is how I recommended you do the sign “100.”

What number is middle finger down in ASL?

General notes: The number 23 uses a palm-forward “3 handshape” and wiggles the middle finger downward a couple times. The number 25 uses a palm-forward “5 handshape” and wiggles the middle finger downward a couple times.

How many number categories are in ASL?

Numbering systems differ in English and ASL. English is relatively straightforward with only two types: cardinal and ordinal numbers. ASL, however, has more than a dozen different categories including order, informational, quantifiers, and numerals.

When signing ages 1 9 Your palm should face inward or outward?

What are the rules for signing ages? Age 1-9: palm faces out. Make the number with index finger touching chin and sweep outward. For 9 start with an open handshape on chin and move outward with a 9.

How do you say 16 in ASL?

Method 1: Twist method For example to sign “16” take the number six, starting palm backward, twist it forward twice in a small quick motion, ending with the palm mostly outward (toward the watcher). It is the same with 17 – 19. (For 17 you would “twist” the number 7.

What is sister in ASL?

To sign sister, extend your thumb and index fingers on both hands, like forming horizontal ‘L’ signs in ASL. Take your dominant hand, and starting with your thumb under your jaw, move and tap it down on top of your non-dominant hand.

What is number incorporation in ASL?

Numeral incorporation is a moderately productive process in ASL which combines a numeral and a base to form a compounded fully formed sign.

How do I sign my 3 Number?

The number 3 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, facing towards you, then sticking out your thumb, index and middle fingers. Don’t confuse the number 3 with the letter W (where you stick out your index, middle, and ring fingers, with palm facing outward).

How do you sign the number 10?

The number 10 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, with thumb sticking up, then twisting your hand at the wrist back and forth.

What is P and Q in sign language?

The “Q” is palm down. – “K” and “P” use the same handshape. The “P” is palm down.

How do you sign the number 23?

The number 23 sign is similar to the ASL Number ‘3’ sign – but this time, your palm is facing outward. Then bend your middle finger down twice, toward the person you are speaking with, while the index finger and thumb remain standing.

How do you sign 22?

The number 22 sign looks like the ‘2′ finger bouncing or bowing forward twice. You make the ASL letter ‘V’ sign, where your palm is facing outward while your index and middle fingers are sticking out of a fist. Then bow or bounce it forward twice, moving a short distance from left to right between bounces.

How do you sign the number 27?

The number 27 sign is a compound sign. First, sign the letter L (which stands for the number ‘2’ in ’20’ onwards), then move your hand a short distance sideways and sign number 7.

How do you sign what in ASL?

Use a WH-Q (wh-question) facial expression. The hands move slightly forward and to the sides. Here is a variation of the sign “WHAT” that is made by extending your base hand outward. Starting near the thumb, drag the tip of your index finger downward, across your palm.

How do you sign have in ASL?

Have is signed by forming two bent hands with thumbs sticking up. Then move both hands in towards your chest, resting your fingertips just under your collar bone. It is like emphasizing, “Yes, I have something,” or, “I have it.”

How do you sign 13?

The number 13 is signed by holding up your dominant hand in a fist, facing toward you. Then bend your index and middle fingers toward you twice as you stick out your thumb.