Why Floor 13 Is Often Skipped in Buildings

The omission of the 13th floor stems from triskaidekaphobia—fear of the number 13. Common in the US and Canada, the floor above 12 is labeled 14. Theories trace the superstition to Norse mythology (Loki as 13th guest causing chaos) or the Last Supper (13 attendees, Judas betrayed Jesus). The practice sometimes extends to room numbers and addresses.