HTML <ol> and <li>: Ordered Lists

An ordered list is for steps or rankings where sequence matters. Numbering helps readers follow each stage in the right order. The important question is always where the link leads and whether the person reading the page can predict it.

What You Need to Know

Let HTML handle numbering instead of typing numbers inside each li. Use CSS for a different visual style when needed.

Links are the pathways through a website. The words on a link should help someone choose where to go before clicking it.

Example: See It in Action

Add this example to the appropriate part of a practice HTML page. Read each line before you open the page in your browser.

This is a short HTML fragment. To try it as a webpage, put it inside the body element of a complete HTML document.

<h2>How to make tea</h2>
<ol>
    <li>Boil some water.</li>
    <li>Place tea in a cup.</li>
    <li>Add water carefully.</li>
</ol>

Let’s Understand the Example

• Ol groups items whose order or numbering matters.
• Li is one item inside a list. Keep each item inside its parent list.
• An h2 starts a major section beneath the page topic.

You should see distinct list items. Ask whether their order carries meaning: if the order matters, use an ordered list; otherwise use an unordered list.

What Should You See?

The page should show a section headed “How to make tea”. Inspect the navigation region and follow its links to check the destinations.

Imagine this link is read out of context. Would its text still explain the destination? Rename unclear links before trying to make them look nicer with CSS.

Try It Yourself

1. Add a fourth step and check that numbering updates automatically.
2. Save your changes, open or refresh the page, and compare the result with the original example.
3. Tell a friend what your change did. If you are not sure, undo it, refresh the page, and compare.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Writing manual numbers in li text and getting duplicate numbers on screen.
• Avoid dead links, empty href values and clickable-looking text without a real destination.

Key Takeaways

• An ordered list is for steps or rankings where sequence matters.
• Ol groups items whose order or numbering matters.
• Let HTML handle numbering instead of typing numbers inside each li. Use CSS for a different visual style when needed.