Convert numbers to the Mayan vigesimal (base-20) numeral system. Dots represent 1s, bars represent 5s, and a shell symbol represents zero.
The Maya used a vigesimal (base-20) positional numeral system. Unlike our base-10 system, each position is 20 times larger. Positions are written vertically, with the smallest value at the bottom.
Position values: 1 (units), 20, 400 (20²), 8,000 (20³). So the number 42 = 2×20 + 2 = two glyphs: top is 2 dots, bottom is 2 dots.
| Glyph | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| • | One (1) | ••• = 3 |
| Five (5) | • = 6 | |
| 🐚 | Zero (0) | Used as placeholder |