Here is how it works:

Convert the letters in a name or word into numbers using the following chart.

1	A J S	2	B K T	3	C L U
4	D M V	5	E N W	6	F O X
7	G P Y	8	H Q Z	9	I R

So that the letter C has a value of 3, F has a value of 6.

Let us do one example together; we will use the name Nicholas Flamel

N = 5
I = 9
C = 3
H = 8
O = 6
L = 3
A = 1
S = 1

F = 6
L = 3
A = 1
M = 4
E = 5
L = 3

Once we have assigned a number to each letter we then add up the numbers. In this case we get 58.

If our total is more than 9 (most of the time it will be) we have to reduce it to a single digit number. We do this by adding the two digits together, and continue to do so until you are left with a single digit number. Let us continue with 58, we must add 5+8 which gives us 13. 13 is still more than 9 so we must add it again 1+3 which gives us 4.

The number 4 is our CHARACTER number.
The Character number reflects the person's overall personality.

Our last step is to find the SOCIAL number.
The Social number reflects the person's outer personality, the traits that most often are shown to others.
To find the Social number we add up all the consonants in the name and once again reduce them.

Now let us find the Social number for Nicholas Flamel

N = 5
C = 3
H = 8
L = 3
S = 1
F = 6
L = 3
M = 4
L = 3

Adding those up we get a total of 36.
Reducing that it becomes 3+6=9.
Our SOCIAL number is 9.

Once we have found the CHARACTER, HEART, and SOCIAL numbers we consult this chart to find the meaning of each.

Here are the meanings:

1	This is the number of the individual. Ones are independent, focused, and determined. They set a goal and stick to it. They are leaders and inventors. Ones find it difficult to work with others and don't like to take orders. They can be self-centered, egotistical, and domineering. They are often loners.
2	Two represents interaction, two-way communication, cooperation, and balance. Twos are imaginative, creative, and sweet natured. Peace, harmony, commitment, loyalty, and fairness are characteristic. But two also introduces the idea of conflict, opposing forces, and the contrasting sides of things: night and day, good and evil. Twos can be withdrawn, moody, self-conscious and indecisive.
3	Three represents the idea of completeness or wholeness, as in the threesomes past-present-future and mind-body-spirit. Three indicates talent, energy, an artistic nature, humor, and social ease. Threes are often lucky, easygoing, and highly successful, but they can also be unfocused, easily offended, and superficial.
4	Like a table that rests solidly on four legs, four indicates stability and firmness. Fours enjoy hard work. They are practical, reliable and down to earth; they prefer logic and reason to flights of fancy. They are good at organization and getting things done. Like the cycle of the four seasons, they are also predictable. They can be stubborn, suspicious, overly practical and prone to angry outbursts. The conflicts possible in "two" are doubled in four.
5	Five is the number of instability and imbalance, indicating change and uncertainty. Fives are drawn to many things at once but commit to none. They are adventurous, energetic and willing to take risks. They enjoy travel and meeting new people but may not stay in one place very long. Fives can be conceited, irresponsible, quick-tempered and impatient.
6	Six represents harmony, friendship, and family life. Sixes are loyal, reliable, and loving. They adapt easily. They do well in teaching and the arts, but are often unsuccessful in business. They are sometimes prone to gossip and complacency.
7	Perceptive, understanding, and bright, sevens enjoy hard work and challenges. They are often serious, scholarly, and interested in all things mysterious. Originality and imagination are more important than money and material possessions. Sevens can also be pessimistic, sarcastic, and insecure.
8	Eight indicates the possibility of great success in business, finance, and politics. Eights are practical, ambitious, committed, and hard working. They can also be jealous, greedy, domineering, and power-hungry. Eight is said to be the most unpredictable of numbers and can indicate the pinnacle of success or the depths of failure; the potential to go either way is present from the beginning.
9	Represents completion and achievement to the fullest degree (as it is the complete number, three, expressed three times). Nines dedicate themselves to service, often as teachers, scientists, and humanitarians. Strongly determined, they work tirelessly and are an inspiration to others. However, they can also be arrogant and conceited when things don't go their way.

Arithmancy may also be used to identify the most favorable days for a person. A basic rule is that a favorable day is one that matches a person's CHARACTER number. So a person that has a Character number of 3, would do well to plan major events such as business meetings, weddings, etc. on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, and 30th of a month because those dates reduce to 3. Arithmancy can be used on any word so some people may extend arithmancy into their everyday lives. Choosing to live in cities whose names will reduce to their Character number (London =2). Others go so far as to eat only the foods that reduce to their Character number ( Ham =4, Lettuce =5).