<P> Both of these claims were disputed by music historian Joel Whitburn and Elvis Presley Enterprises . Whitburn lists Elvis as having 18 number 1 hits ( placing him in a tie with Mariah Carey at that time ) and 38 top ten hits ( one more than Madonna at that time ) . Elvis Presley Enterprises claims Elvis had 40 top ten hits . The differences depend on whether a double - sided hit single is counted as one hit single , or two hit songs . </P>
<P> Both of these claims were disputed by music historian Joel Whitburn and Elvis Presley Enterprises . Whitburn lists Elvis as having 18 number 1 hits ( placing him in a tie with Mariah Carey at that time ) and 38 top ten hits ( one more than Madonna at that time ) . Elvis Presley Enterprises claims Elvis had 40 top ten hits . The differences depend on whether a double - sided hit single is counted as one hit single , or two hit songs . </P>
how many number one hits did elvis presley have
how many number one hits did elvis presley have
18
18