How many major plates make up Earth's crust?

Earth's crust is made up of 8 major plates and 9 minor plates. These plates are in constant motion because they are situated above hot flowing mantle rock often referred to as the asthenosphere.

Earth's plates are huge slabs of hard rock found underneath soil and water bodies. The major plates make up all the continents and oceans. These plates are constantly changing in size and shape. Earth's core is very hot, and beneath the plates are molten rocks that cause constant movement. The major plates consist of the African, Indian, Australian, Antarctic, South American, North American, Pacific and Eurasian plates.