Linear numbering refers to a house numbering system in which numbers increase linearly up a street in one direction without alternating between sides. For this to be the case, normally one of the following scenarios must occur: 1) Numbering only occurs on one side of the street; 2) Numbering progresses in the same direction on both sides, but using entirely different ranges (usually one starting much higher than the other); 3) The street changes name or identity on the other side, so that the same numbers may exist on both sides.

A typical linear numbering system looks like this:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10...
(no numbering on opposite side)

...or like this:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10...
101 102 103 104 105...