Five Grid Method Explained: Name Numerology Calculation

The Five Grid method (Wuge Pouxiang Fa), also known as the Kumazaki name study, was developed in the early 20th century by Japanese name scholar Kumazaki Kenou, building upon traditional Chinese name analysis. It uses Kangxi dictionary stroke counts to divide a name into five numerological grids — Heaven, Person, Earth, External, and Total — then evaluates fortune based on the 81 numerology system and Sancai five-element configuration.

This is the most widely used method for online name fortune testing. Understanding how the five grids are calculated helps you interpret name test scores more rationally.

All calculations use Kangxi dictionary stroke counts, not simplified Chinese strokes. For example, the water radical counts as 4 strokes (as water), and grass radical counts as 6.

Single-surname rules: Heaven Grid = surname strokes + 1, Person Grid = surname + first name strokes, Earth Grid = first + second name strokes (or +1 for single-char names), External Grid = Total - Person + 1, Total Grid = sum of all strokes.

Compound-surname rules: Heaven Grid = first + second surname strokes, Person Grid = second surname + first name strokes, Earth Grid = first + second name strokes, Total Grid = sum of all character strokes.

Sancai refers to the five-element relationship among Heaven, Person, and Earth grids, representing heaven (ancestors), person (self), and earth (subordinates/spouse). Elements are determined by last digit: 1/2 = Wood, 3/4 = Fire, 5/6 = Earth, 7/8 = Metal, 9/0 = Water.

Mutual generation is auspicious; mutual restraint is inauspicious. For example, Wood-Fire-Earth is a smooth generating flow, while Water-Fire-Water indicates conflict.

Grid numbers cycle 1-81 (subtract 80 for values above 81). Auspicious numbers include 1-3, 5-8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 21, 23-25, 29-33, 35, 37, 39, 41. Inauspicious numbers include 4, 9, 10, 12, 14, 19-20, 22, 27-28, 34, 36, 38, 40.

Note: No single grid determines the overall score. The five grids must be evaluated together with Sancai configuration and element balance.

While popular, the Five Grid method has clear limitations: it only considers stroke numerology, ignoring phonetics, meaning, and BaZi favorable elements; Kangxi strokes differ from modern usage; and the 81 numerology lacks statistical validation.

Rational advice: Name test scores are for entertainment only. A good name balances beautiful sound, positive meaning, and writing convenience — not just high grid scores.