Manhattan address algorithm
The Manhattan address algorithm is used to estimate the number of the closest cross street for a given building number on the island of Manhattan. The algorithm is given in any print telephone directory [1] as well as on numerous web pages and in New York City guide books.[2]
Algorithm
To find the approximate number of the closest cross street, divide the building number by 20 and add (or subtract) the "magic number" from the table below:
| Street/Avenue | Magic number |
|---|---|
| Avenue A | +3 |
| Avenue B | +3 |
| Avenue C | +3 |
| Avenue D | +3 |
| 1st Ave|First Avenue | +3 |
| 2nd Ave | +3 |
| 3rd Ave | +10 |
| 4th Ave | +8 |
| 6th Ave | -12 |
| 8th Ave | +9 |
| 9th Ave | +13 |
| 10th Ave | +14 |
| 11th Ave | +15 |
| Amsterdam Ave | +59 |
| Audubon Ave | +165 |
| Ave of the Americas | -12 |
| Columbus Ave | +59 or +60 |
| Convent Ave | +127 |
| Edgecomb Ave | +134 |
| Ft. Washington Ave | +158 |
| Lenox Ave | +110 |
| Lexington Ave | +22 |
| Madison Ave | +27 |
| Manhattan Ave | +100 |
| Park Ave | +34 |
| Park Ave South | +8 |
| Pleasant Ave | +101 |
| St. Nicholas Ave | +110 |
| Vanderbilt Ave | +42 |
| Wadsworth Ave | +173 |
| West End Ave | +59 |
| York Ave | +4 |
Special cases
Some streets are special cases:
| Street name | Building Number | Magic number |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Avenue | 63–108 | +11 |
| Fifth Avenue | 109–200 | +13 |
| Fifth Avenue | 201–400 | +16 |
| Fifth Avenue | 401–600 | +18 |
| Fifth Avenue | 601–775 | +20 |
| Fifth Avenue | 776–1286 | divide by 10 instead of 20 and subtract 18 |
| Fifth Avenue | 1300–1500 | +45 |
| Fifth Avenue | Above 2000 | +24 |
| Seventh Avenue | 1–1800 | +12 |
| Seventh Avenue | Above 1800 | +20 |
| Broadway | 1–754 | no numbered streets, south of 8th street |
| Broadway | 756–846 | -29 |
| Broadway | 847–953 | -25 |
| Broadway | Above 953 | -31 |
| Riverside Drive | 1–567 | divide by 10 instead of 20 and add 72 |
| Riverside Drive | Above 567 | divide by 10 instead of 20 and add 78 |
| Central Park West | All | divide by 10 instead of 20 and add 60 |