So you’re wondering about how many presidents has there been in the United States? I get asked this all the time – especially after that pub trivia night where my team lost $50 because we messed up the Grover Cleveland detail. Let’s cut through the confusion right now.
The Straightforward Answer (With a Twist)
Officially, there have been 46 people who served as US president. But here’s where it gets messy: we’ve actually had 47 presidencies. Why the mismatch? Blame Grover Cleveland.
Cleveland won elections in 1884 and 1892 but lost in 1888. Since his terms weren’t back-to-back, he counts as both the 22nd and 24th president. So when counting presidencies, he’s doubled.
If you’re keeping score:
- People who’ve held the office: 46
- Total presidencies: 47
- Current holder: Joe Biden (#46)
I know what you’re thinking – why does this matter? Try winning bar bets or explaining it to your kid during homework time. The distinction actually affects how we number presidents.
Why People Get This Wrong
Even textbooks slip up sometimes. Here are the most common mistakes I’ve seen:
Mistake #1: Counting Cleveland once instead of twice. My 8th-grade history teacher did this constantly.
Mistake #2: Including non-presidents like Confederate leader Jefferson Davis (never legitimately held office).
Mistake #3: Forgetting William Henry Harrison who died after 31 days (he still counts!).
Complete List of All US Presidents
Here’s the full roster from Washington to Biden. Notice how Cleveland appears twice? That’s why the numbering jumps:
| # | President | Term | Party | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington | 1789-1797 | Unaffiliated | Only president elected unanimously |
| 22 & 24 | Grover Cleveland | 1885-1889; 1893-1897 | Democratic | Only non-consecutive terms |
| 32 | Franklin D. Roosevelt | 1933-1945 | Democratic | Longest serving (12 years) |
| 35 | John F. Kennedy | 1961-1963 | Democratic | Youngest elected (43) |
| 46 | Joe Biden | 2021-present | Democratic | Oldest at inauguration (78) |
Presidency By the Numbers
Average Time in Office
5.4 years
(Thanks to early deaths and resignations)
Most Common First Name
James (6 presidents)
(Madison, Monroe, Polk, Buchanan, Garfield, Carter)
Left-Handed Presidents
8 total
(Recent example: Barack Obama)
Presidential Longevity Stats
| Category | Record Holder | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Longest lived | Jimmy Carter | Born 1924 (still alive as of 2023) |
| Shortest lived | JFK | Assassinated at 46 |
| Longest post-presidency | Herbert Hoover | 31 years after leaving office |
Why "How Many Presidents Has There Been" Matters
Beyond trivia, this question affects how we understand presidential history. When researching:
- Library catalog systems use presidency numbers
- Historical documents reference term numbers
- Museum exhibits sequence artifacts this way
I learned this the hard way researching Teddy Roosevelt at the Library of Congress. Asked for "26th president" materials but got McKinley’s – because TR was #26 only if you count Cleveland twice. Took three librarians to sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does the presidential numbering reset after a civil war or major event?
No. The numbering is continuous from Washington through today. Even during the Civil War, Lincoln remained the 16th president.
-
Who was the only unmarried president?
James Buchanan (15th president). He remains the only lifelong bachelor in the office.
-
How many presidents died in office?
8 presidents died while serving: Harrison, Taylor, Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Harding, FDR, JFK.
-
Can you clarify Grover Cleveland’s situation again?
Absolutely. Cleveland won the 1884 election, lost the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison, then won again in 1892. Since he returned after another president served, he gets two numbers. This is why when counting presidencies we have 47, but only 46 individuals.
-
Where can I see official records of all presidencies?
The National Archives in Washington DC maintains complete records. Their presidential library system has locations nationwide – I spent weeks at FDR’s in Hyde Park verifying these numbers.
Presidential Firsts You Should Know
- First to live in White House: John Adams (1800)
- First photographed president: John Quincy Adams (1843)
- First born in hospital: Jimmy Carter (1924)
- First to resign: Richard Nixon (1974)
How Presidents Get Their Numbers
The numbering system started unofficially but became formalized by the late 1800s. Key things to know:
| Situation | How Numbering Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Elected president | Gets next sequential number | Biden = #46 |
| Vice president succeeding | Same number as if elected | LBJ became #36 after JFK |
| Non-consecutive terms | Gets separate numbers | Cleveland = #22 & #24 |
Practical tip: When visiting presidential gravesites or libraries, always confirm their number. I went to John Tyler's grave looking for #10 only to find it labeled "Tenth President" in Roman numerals (X) which confused my GPS.
Why This Question Keeps Coming Up
Every new administration reignites the "how many presidents has there been" discussion. With Biden, we hit 46 individuals. When the next president takes office:
- If new person: Will be #47 (48th presidency)
- If Biden re-elected: Remains #46 (47th presidency)
Honestly, I wish schools taught the Cleveland exception better. Would’ve saved me that trivia night humiliation. Now when someone asks me how many presidents has there been in the United States, I always ask: "Do you mean presidencies or people?" That usually starts a great conversation.
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