I lost iphone looking at how to recover contacts

If they were synced to iCloud you can log into www.icloud.com and go to the Contacts app there. You can then use the gear-shaped icon on the lower left of the screen to export them in vCard format. They will also sync to a replacement iPhone, or an iPad or Mac if you turn that option on in those devices.

From iCloud Contacts, or from your backups on iCloud or from backups on Mac or Windows, usually.

Carefully consider where your contacts were housed (e.g., your email account). The contacts are very likely still housed there.