How common is arithmophobia?

One in five parents has arrhythmophobia. Arithmophobia is the extreme fear of numbers.

How common is arithmophobia?

One in five parents has arrhythmophobia. Arithmophobia is the extreme fear of numbers. It's not a formal diagnosis, but many people treat it as a specific phobia. People with arithmophobia may fear all numbers or only specific numbers.

Sometimes, arithmophobia has its roots in superstitions about numbers. You're more likely to have arithmophobia if you've had negative experiences with numbers, such as being bullied for performing poorly in math. Arrhythmophobia can cause anxiety symptoms, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about treatment options. Do you or someone on your team suffer from arithmophobia? As you can guess, this is an irrational fear of numbers.

Elara Minton
Elara Minton

Elara Minton is a cognitive-science writer and maths educator specialising in the emotional realities of learning. With an MSc in Educational Neuroscience from UCL and experience supporting students with ADHD, dyscalculia, and math anxiety, Elara bridges the gap between rigorous research and compassionate, accessible guidance.Before writing full-time, she worked as a learning-support specialist in UK secondary schools and later as a curriculum consultant for online tutoring platforms. She is known for translating complex brain science—working memory, procedural load, cognitive fatigue—into relatable explanations that students, parents, and teachers can actually use.Her style blends reassuring warmth with evidence-based clarity: the voice of someone who understands both the math and the feelings around math.