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What does the number on Lego sets mean?
We use numbers as a quick and convenient way to instantly identify any LEGO® set. Numbers on the first sets we made were 3 digits long, but as we made more and more sets, we started using longer numbers. All current sets have at least 5 digits, so if you see a 4 digit number, it’s an older set.
How do you identify a Lego part number?
Check for visible part numbers Look for a 4 or 5 digit part ID on the element. These are usually printed on the inside. A magnifying glass and good lighting can be helpful. Many bricks will also have other numbers printed on them, but only the 4 or 5 digit numbers are useful for identifying parts.
How does the LEGO numbering system work?
All current sets have at least 5 digits, so if you see a 4 digit number, it’s an older set. Special sets have 6 digits I think, and start with 500xxx. Check out Brickset.com to see the themes and their numbers.
What is the number on the bottom of a Lego piece?
If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of a LEGO piece closely you will have noticed that there’s a 4- or 5-digit number visible, which is its design number. However, when you look at the parts listing at the back of instruction manuals, this number isn’t shown. The 6- or 7-digit numbers listed there are element numbers.
Are there colour numbers on the Lego sets?
LEGO colour numbers are not exposed in set inventories or published anywhere, although the company has made information available to fans in the past, including the colour palette chart which can be used to navigate our parts database. LEGO has names for colours, which are not the same as those that most AFOLs and BrickLink use.
What are the elements of a Lego part?
Initially, a part’s element number was simply a combination of the two: the four digit design number and the two-digit colour number concatenated. So, a white (colour 1) 2×4 brick (design 3001) has an element number 300101 and a green (colour 28) spruce tree (design 3471) has an element number 347128.
When did they start putting numbers on Lego bricks?
Design numbers identify the shape of the part. They first appeared on the underside of parts around 1985 but it’s believed that they started to be used internally from 1968. The numbering series began at 3001, which is the 2×4 brick.