Why Kangxi Dictionary Strokes?

Five Grids numerology uses Kangxi dictionary (traditional) stroke counts, not simplified Chinese.

Common Differences

"Wang" (king) is counted as 5 strokes (jade radical), not 4. The water radical "氵" counts as 4 strokes (water), not 3. The grass radical "艹" counts as 6 (plant). The dog radical "犭" counts as 4. The heart radical "忄" counts as 4.

Why This Matters

This is a traditional rule of the Five Grids system. If you're using the system, follow its rules — otherwise the numbers are meaningless.

Unsure about a character's Kangxi strokes? Our naming tool has the Kangxi dictionary built in.

💡 Try it yourself? Use our free BaZi calculator to generate your Four Pillars chart instantly, or explore Chinese baby names.