Number to Attic Greek numerals converter
The old Athenian system that came before alphabetic numerals, used in inscriptions and public accounts, and additive like Roman numerals.
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How to use it
- Enter number.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Signs: Ι=1, 𐅃=5, Δ=10, 𐅄=50, Η=100, 𐅅=500, Χ=1000, 𐅆=5000, Μ=10,000, 𐅇=50,000. For each digit d: if d ≥ 5, write the five sign then (d − 5) one signs; otherwise d one signs.
Example
Inputs: Number = 1,994. Result: In Attic numerals: Χ𐅅ΗΗΗΗ𐅄ΔΔΔΔΙΙΙΙ; Number of signs: 15.
Limits and caveats
- The combined five signs (𐅃, 𐅄 and so on) need a font with Greek acrophonic numerals, such as Noto Sans Symbols.
- Sign shapes varied between ancient Greek cities; this tool follows the Athenian system.
Questions about this tool
Why is it called acrophonic?
Each sign is the first letter of the number word: Π from pente (five), Δ from deka (ten), Η from hekaton (hundred).
How is 50 written in this system?
With 𐅄, a Π with a Δ inside it, meaning 5 × 10.
How does it differ from Greek alphabetic numerals?
Attic is additive and repeats signs like Roman numerals; the alphabetic system gives each letter one value from 1 to 900.