Kua number – meaning, calculation and your lucky directions
Published on October 22, 2026
The Kua number is your personal feng shui number. It lies between 1 and 9 and comes from your birth year and gender. With it the Eight Mansions school determines which four directions give you strength – and which four rather weaken you.
East group and west group
Kua 1, 3, 4 and 9 belong to the east group: north, south, east and south-east are favourable. Kua 2, 6, 7 and 8 belong to the west group: west, north-west, south-west and north-east are favourable. There is no Kua 5 – men then get 2, women 8.
The four good directions
Sheng Qi (life qi) is the strongest: ideal for facing at the desk and for the front door. Tian Yi (heavenly doctor) supports health – good for the head of the bed. Yan Nian (extended years) fosters relationships. Fu Wei (resting position) brings calm and clarity for studying.
How to apply it
Use a compass to measure which way you face at your desk and where your head points in bed. If it is an unfavourable direction, a small turn is often enough. Unfavourable areas of the home are well suited for a bathroom, storage or hallway.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my Kua number?+
Easiest with the free calculator. Important: if you were born before 4 February, use the previous year.
What if partners belong to different groups?+
Each aligns their own desk to their own directions. For the shared bed traditionally the main earner takes priority – or you choose a compromise.
Does the Kua number apply to the house too?+
The house has its own Kua from its sitting direction. Ideally house and residents belong to the same group.