How Many Bones Are There in a
Human Skeleton?

The average number of bones in a human skeleton is 206. These include 28 bones in the skull, 26 in the backbone or spinal column, 32 in each arm and hand and 31 in each leg. However, there are variations. About one person in 20 has two extra ribs, making 13 pairs instead of 12.

Three bones in the body are ‘floating’ and not directly joined to any other bone. These are the hyoid in the front of the neck, and the two kneecaps.