Ordered lists

The HTML <ol> element creates ordered lists that display information in a specific sequence. Like unordered lists, this container wraps individual <li> elements that represent each list item.

Browsers automatically number ordered list items sequentially, eliminating the need to manually maintain numbering when adding or removing items. The type attribute allows customization of numbering styles (numbers, letters, or Roman numerals), while the reversed attribute creates countdown sequences.

Ordered lists are ideal for step-by-step instructions, recipes, rankings, or any content where sequence matters. They provide both visual and semantic structure that communicates importance of order to all users, including those using assistive technologies.