If you use an interface overhaul like ElvUI or Bartender, those addons may be overriding the default game settings. Check the internal "General" or "Media" settings within those specific addon menus.
For players on "Vanilla" or Classic Era servers, the process is more straightforward as the option still exists within the standard user interface. Press to open the Game Menu. Select Interface . Click on the Combat tab on the left-hand side. Locate the Floating Combat Text section. Check the box labeled Combat Damage . Using Addons for Enhanced Visuals how to enable damage numbers in wow
Combat text has a maximum range. If you are a caster standing very far away from a target, the numbers may not appear until you move closer. If you use an interface overhaul like ElvUI
If you also want to see the healing numbers you produce, use this command: /console floatingCombatTextCombatHealing 1 Press to open the Game Menu
Enabling damage numbers in World of Warcraft allows you to see the real-time impact of your spells and abilities. While these numbers were once visible by default, recent updates to the game interface have hidden the toggle behind console commands or specific addon settings. How to Enable Damage Numbers in WoW Use Console Commands for Retail and Cataclysm Classic
To turn on damage numbers, type the following command into your chat box and press Enter: /console floatingCombatTextCombatDamage 1
This addon attaches the damage numbers directly to the enemy's health bar (nameplate). This makes it much easier to track which target is taking damage in large group fights.