Sexagesimal (base 60) to decimal converter
Enter the base 60 places separated by colons, commas or spaces, each from 0 to 59, to get the decimal value. Useful for history of math students reading Babylonian numbers.
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How to use it
- Enter base 60 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
Value = sum of (place × 60^position), with position 0 on the far right. Example: 1:02:03:04 = 1×216000 + 2×3600 + 3×60 + 4 = 223384.
Example
Inputs: Base 60 number = 1:02:03:04. Result: Decimal value: 223384; With thousands separators: 223,384; Number of base 60 places: 4.
1:02:03:04
223384
Limits and caveats
- Whole numbers only; sexagesimal fractions after a semicolon are not read.
- Each place must be 0 to 59, and an empty place between two separators is an error.
Questions about this tool
How do I type a base 60 number?
Separate the places with colons, commas or spaces, such as 1:01:01, 1,1,1 or 1 1 1, with each place a decimal number from 0 to 59.
Can I use it to turn a duration into seconds?
Yes. A duration of 2:30:15 is read as base 60 places and equals 9015 seconds, that is 2×3600 + 30×60 + 15.
Why is 1:60 an error?
A base 60 place never goes above 59; sixty carries into the next place, so write 2:00 instead of 1:60.