Several studies have shown that leading mathematicians tend to have particularly low Erdős numbers (i.e. high proximity). Original Spanish version in Rev. Acad. Colombiana Cienc. Exact. Fís. Natur. 23 (89) 563–582, 1999, . The median Erdős number of Fields Medalists is 3. Only 7,097 (about 5% of mathematicians with a collaboration path) have an Erdős number of 2 or lower. As time passes, the lowest Erdős number that can still be achieved will necessarily increase, as mathematicians with low Erdős numbers die and become unavailable for collaboration. Still, historical figures can have low Erdős numbers. For example, renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan has an Erdős number of only 3 (through G. H. Hardy, Erdős number 2), even though Paul Erdős was only 7 years old when Ramanujan died.
several studies have shown that leading mathematicians tend to have particularly low erdős numbers (ie high proximity) original spanish version in rev acad colombiana cienc exact fís natur 23 (89) 563–582 1999  the median erdős number of fields medalists is 3 only 7097 (about 5% of mathematicians with a collaboration path) have an erdős number of 2 or lower as time passes the lowest erdős number that can still be achieved will necessarily increase as mathematicians with low erdős numbers die and become unavailable for collaboration still historical figures can have low erdős numbers for example renowned indian mathematician srinivasa ramanujan has an erdős number of only 3 (through g h hardy erdős number 2) even though paul erdős was only 7 years old when ramanujan died