目前學界尚未對「樣板戲」的具體數目進行明確深入的史實論證。從歷時性發展來看，「樣板戲」分為前後三個批次；從是否定型來看，既有成熟的典範，也有試驗演出的漸進型，還有計劃中的作品。「樣板戲」的數目可以分別從狹義和廣義的角度來概括。從狹義角度來看，「樣板戲」包括第一批八部和第二批十部，合計十八部。從廣義角度來看，它包括第一批和第二批，試驗演出中的七部，以及第三批尚未出籠的七部，合計三十二部。「樣板戲」從萌芽、鼎盛到衰歇有一個動態的歷史過程，釐清其演變的具體史實有利於將「樣板戲」的學術問題歷史化。

There has been no in-depth historical study on specific number of Model Operas. This essay holds that Model Operas can be divided into three successive batches diachronically, they can also be divided into mature typical，immature experimental and planning works according to their maturity. The number of Model Operas can be defined in either a narrow or a broad perspective. Narrowly, there are eighteen-eight in the first batch, ten in the second. Broadly, there are thirty-two-seven experimental ones and seven planned ones other than the first two batches.