Number to Mayan numerals converter
The Maya counted in base 20 and had a zero sign. This tool shows your number as their vertical levels, with dots and bars counted.
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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 20 repeatedly: 2026 = 5 × 400 + 1 × 20 + 6. Each level from 0 to 19 is drawn with bars (5 each) and dots (1 each), zero is a shell, and the top level is the largest.
Example
Inputs: Number = 400. Result: Mayan numerals (top to bottom): 𝋡 𝋠 𝋠.
Limits and caveats
- This uses pure base 20; the Long Count calendar makes the third level 360 instead of 400.
- Mayan numeral characters are fairly new in Unicode and need a font such as Noto Sans Mayan Numerals.
Questions about this tool
Did the Maya know zero?
Yes. They used a shell sign for zero and were among the first cultures to use zero in a place-value system.
How is 19 written in Mayan numerals?
Three bars (15) with four dots (4) above them.
Why are levels read from the top?
The Maya wrote numbers vertically, so the top level is the largest place and the bottom is the units.