How many degrees are there in total

Pure Antient Masonry is declared by the United Grand Lodge of England to consist of three degrees and no more: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch [ugle.org.uk]. The division of the basic Craft system into these three degrees developed gradually between 1717 and 1730 1.

Beyond the foundational Craft system, there is no single fixed or total number of degrees, as hundreds of additional, chivalric, and philosophical degrees exist across various rites, orders, and jurisdictions 12. Historically, Masonic catalogers such as Oliver listed eighty degrees and Ragon enumerated eighty-three, while other collectors retained even larger numbers 1.

Specific systems and rites maintain their own numerical structures. The Ancient and Accepted Rite governs a sequence extending up to thirty-three degrees 2. Other governing bodies administer separate sequences and appendant systems: the Cryptic Rite comprises four degrees 2; the Secret Monitor consists of two degrees with seven attached grades of the Scarlet Cord 2; the Rosicrucian Society incorporates nine grades 2; and Fessler devised a system of five Degrees of Knowledge within the Royal York Grand Lodge 1. Additional chivalric bodies confer Christian degrees of knighthood, such as the Knights Templar and the Red Cross of Constantine 12. Because these additional degrees are organized under many distinct sovereign councils and grand bodies, any total count depends entirely on which rites and jurisdictions are included 12.