Convert decimal numbers into the ancient Mayan vigesimal (base-20) numeral system.
Last updated: March 2026
The Mayan numeral system was a vigesimal (base-20) positional numeral system used by the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It used three symbols: a dot for one, a bar for five, and a shell for zero.
Unlike our modern decimal system which is written horizontally, Mayan numbers were written vertically, with the lowest value at the bottom and increasing powers of 20 as you go up.
Convert 435 to Mayan:
Step 1: 435 ÷ 20 = 21, remainder 15. (Bottom digit is 15)
Step 2: 21 ÷ 20 = 1, remainder 1. (Middle digit is 1)
Step 3: 1 ÷ 20 = 0, remainder 1. (Top digit is 1)
Mayan Representation:
Top: 1 (one dot)
Middle: 1 (one dot)
Bottom: 15 (three bars)
Final: 1, 1, 15 in base-20
It is believed they used base-20 because it corresponds to the total number of fingers and toes on a human body.
Yes, the Maya were one of the few ancient civilizations to independently develop the concept of zero, represented by a shell symbol.
The positional system allowed them to represent arbitrarily large numbers, which was essential for their advanced astronomical and calendrical calculations.
Yes, many Mesoamerican cultures used similar vigesimal systems, though the specific symbols and conventions varied.
Mayan numbers are read from top to bottom, with the topmost symbol representing the highest power of 20. Each level down represents the next lower power.
A dot represents 1, and a bar represents 5. Numbers 0-19 are represented by combinations of dots (above) and bars (below). For example, 13 is three dots over two bars.
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