Why Some Elevators Skip the 13th Floor (and Other Superstitions)

You’ve probably stepped into an elevator, glanced at the buttons, and noticed something missing: the number 13. It jumps from 12 to 14 like a magician’s sleight of hand. But what’s the deal? Why do so many buildings skip the 13th floor, and what other elevator-related superstitions are out there?

Turns out, the elevator is more than a vehicle for vertical travel, it’s a fascinating mirror of cultural beliefs, fears, and design choices. Let’s press a few buttons and see what superstitions we uncover, from unlucky numbers to ghost floors to hotel quirks around the globe.

The Curious Case of the Missing 13th Floor

The fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia, and it’s been around for centuries. Rooted in Western superstition, it’s thought to be unlucky due to biblical, historical, and cultural reasons (like Judas being the 13th guest at the Last Supper).

Because of this, many buildings, especially hotels, casinos, and office towers, intentionally omit the 13th floor. Instead, they jump straight from 12 to 14. In some cases, the 13th floor is there but labeled as something else, like 12A, M (the 13th letter of the alphabet), or even a service or mechanical floor.

According to a 2002 Gallup poll, 13% of Americans said they would be bothered staying on the 13th floor of a hotel. And in a real-estate world where perception affects profit, developers often choose to sidestep the number entirely.

Elevator Superstitions Around the World

Fear of unlucky numbers isn't unique to Western cultures. Elevators worldwide reflect deeply rooted beliefs and regional quirks:

• China: The number 4 (四, sì) is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death” (死, sǐ). As a result, some Chinese buildings skip not only the fourth floor, but also 14, 24, and so on.

• Japan and Korea: Similar to China, the number 4 is often avoided in buildings. You might also see the letter “F” (for “four”) skipped in elevator panels.

• Italy: In some Italian buildings, the number 17 is skipped because in Roman numerals, XVII can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” which translates to “I have lived”, a euphemism for death.

• Middle East: Some elevators in Islamic countries avoid labeling floors with symbols that could be interpreted as unholy or disrespectful.

Hotel Quirks and Creative Labeling

Hotels are notorious for being a little more superstitious than your average building. Why? Because guests might spend only one night, but a bad vibe could mean a negative review.

Here are some of the more creative ways hotels have dealt with superstition:

• Vegas Resorts: Casinos are especially prone to skipping 13. With money and luck so tightly intertwined, most big-name casinos on the Strip have no official 13th floor.

• Luxury Hotels: Some international hotel chains not only skip 13, but also avoid floors numbered 4, 44, or 404 to accommodate Asian travelers.

• Themed Hotels: A few daring boutique hotels use the superstition as a marketing gimmick, offering a “haunted” 13th floor experience for thrill-seekers.

Hidden Floors and Secret Spaces

Sometimes the omitted floor isn’t really missing, it’s just disguised. Some 13th floors serve practical purposes:

• Mechanical or Service Floors: Labeling a floor as "M" or “Mechanical” is common, particularly in older buildings.

• Staff-Only Areas: Some hotels and high-rises use the 13th floor for storage, laundry, or staff lounges.

• Marketing Tactics: Renaming floors helps sidestep stigma. After all, staying in room 1408 just feels better than staying in 1308, even if they’re on the same level.

Modern Attitudes: Superstition vs. Skepticism

Despite all the avoidance, many people don’t mind a 13th floor. In fact, some prefer it, seeking out these “forbidden” floors as a conversation starter or act of quiet rebellion.

And yet, developers continue to cater to superstition. It’s less about belief and more about business. If skipping a number helps keep tenants happy and vacancy rates low, why not?

Still, attitudes are slowly shifting. Some newer buildings and elevator systems include every floor number, reflecting a more data-driven, less fearful generation of developers.

Elevators as Cultural Snapshots

Elevators aren’t just functional, they’re cultural snapshots. Every panel of buttons reflects the people who ride them and the societies that built them. From the numbers we choose (or refuse) to display, to the labels we apply, elevator panels offer small but telling insights into human psychology.

So next time you step into an elevator, take a look at the buttons. Notice what’s there, and what’s missing. Whether it's floor 13, 4, 17, or something else entirely, the elevator tells a story. One that travels both up and down through history, belief, and imagination.

Bonus Fun Fact: The Otis Elevator Company has confirmed that most U.S. buildings over 12 stories do indeed skip the 13th floor by labeling it something else.

Turns out, superstition takes the stairs.