The Maya used a base-20 positional system with a symbol for zero centuries before it reached Europe. Each digit is made of dots worth 1 and bars worth 5, stacked in vertical places.
How to use the Mayan Numerals Calculator
- Number
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How it works
Enter a positive whole number. The calculator divides repeatedly by 20 and draws each digit, highest place first.
Formula
Base 20: n = d₀ + d₁·20 + d₂·20² + …, each digit 0–19 = dots and bars (0 is a shell)
Worked example
Inputs — Number: 1234.
Results — Base-20 digits = 3.1.14; Dots and bars = 20² place: ••• (3)
20¹ place: • (1)
20⁰ place: •••• ▬▬ (14); Check = 3 × 20² + 1 × 20¹ + 14 × 20⁰ = 1234.
Key terms
- Vigesimal
- Base 20.
Frequently asked questions
Why base 20?
Probably from counting on fingers and toes.
How is zero written?
With a shell symbol.
What is 20 in Mayan numerals?
A dot in the 20s place and a shell in the units place.
Did the calendar use pure base 20?
The Long Count used 18 × 20 = 360 for the third place.