Number to Babylonian cuneiform numerals
The Babylonians counted in base 60, which survives in hours, minutes and degrees. This tool writes your number their way.
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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
The number is divided by 60 repeatedly to get the places: 2026 = 33 × 60 + 46, written (33, 46). Each place from 1 to 59 is written with ten-marks (𒌋) followed by unit wedges (𒁹).
Example
Inputs: Number = 3,661. Result: In cuneiform: 𒁹 𒁹 𒁹.
Limits and caveats
- Early Babylonians had no zero sign, so an empty place shows as a gap, and 1, 60 and 3600 can look alike without context; check the base-60 places.
- The cuneiform signs need a supporting font such as Noto Sans Cuneiform.
Questions about this tool
Why did the Babylonians use base 60?
Sixty divides by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12 and more, which makes fractions easy in trade and astronomy.
How many signs did Babylonian numerals need?
Just two: a vertical wedge for one and a corner wedge for ten, repeated to make any digit from 1 to 59.
How is 33,46 read?
It means 33 × 60 + 46 = 2026.