Soundex is a system for coding names based on how they sound rather than how they are spelled. The system is commonly used at the beginning of driver’s licenses. Every code consists of a letter and three numbers, such as M-350 for Medina. The letter is always the first letter of the surname. Numbers are assigned to the remaining letters according to the guide below. Zeroes are added at the end if necessary to produce a four-character code. Additional letters are disregarded.
Coding guide
- 1 = B, F, P, V
- 2 = C, G, J, K, Q, S, X, Z
- 3 = D, T
- 4 = L
- 5 = M, N
- 6 = R
To code your name:
- Print your surname.
- Cross out A, E, I, O, U, H, W and Y, but not if it's the first letter.
- If the surname has any double letters, cross out the second letter.
- The first letter of the surname is not changed. Convert the next three letters that have not been crossed out to numbers using the soundex guide. If the surname has different letters side-by-side that have the same number in soundex, treat them as one letter.
- If a vowel (A, E, I, O, U) separates two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is coded.
- Use zeros to fill in if you do not have enough letters.
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