Struggling to type Greek numerals like σλδʹ or ͵γχθʹ without fumbling Unicode charts or Alt codes? Looking for ε or ϛ on the keyboard? Find out here how to copy and paste Greek numerals from 1 to 9999 — Milesian, akrophonic, and even modern tweaks.
First, Pythagoras Walks by a Smithy
Pythagoras walks by a smithy — as Nicomachus of Gerasa tells it in his Manual of Harmonics — and cannot help but listen. It is not the hammer’s rhythm that is music to the ancient mystic’s ears, it is the harmonies.
Hammers of different weights ring with characteristic pitches, and some sound better together than others. Pythagoras asks for the weights and notes the ratios: 12 and 8 make an agreeable pair, for example, while 9 and 8 clash horribly.
Those relations of Pythagorean music theory look much more harmonious written in Ancient Greek numerals, of course; let’s see:
Greek Numerals to Copy and Paste: 1 to 9999
Milesian Greek Numerals (~4. Century BCE)
Time needed: 3 minutes
To make a Milesian Greek number (1 to 9999):
- Start with the largest value to the left, then add smaller values to the right to make up the complete sum.
Here’s how: Pick numerals corresponding to the place values in a decimal system — the thousands first, then hundreds, followed by tens and ones.
Zero zero: The Milesian Greek numeral system does not know 0 (zero); since no spaces need to be kept empty, zeros are not needed, and all numbers from 1 to 9999 can be expressed with the numerals (ex. ͵γ for 3000 and ο for 70 to make up 3070). - Add the kereia character ʹ at the end.
Here’s why: The kereia marks Greek numerals in printed works and lets readers easily tell them apart from words and letters; in handwritten Ancient Greek, numbers were often marked with an line over the whole length of the number.
Example: 3609 is ͵γ (3000) + χ (600) + θ (9) + ʹ (kereia) = ͵γχθʹ.
Does it for you: Greek Numerals ⇔ Decimal Numbers Converter: Instant Tool
| Value | Greek Numeral | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | ͵α | |
| 2000 | ͵β | |
| 3000 | ͵γ | |
| 4000 | ͵δ | |
| 5000 | ͵ε | |
| 6000 | ͵ϛ | |
| 7000 | ͵ζ | |
| 8000 | ͵η | |
| 9000 | ͵θ |
| Value | Greek Numeral | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | ρ | |
| 200 | σ | |
| 300 | τ | |
| 400 | υ | |
| 500 | φ | |
| 600 | χ | |
| 700 | ψ | |
| 800 | ω | |
| 900 | ϡ |
| Value | Greek Numeral | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | ι | |
| 20 | κ | |
| 30 | λ | |
| 40 | μ | |
| 50 | ν | |
| 60 | ξ | |
| 70 | ο | |
| 80 | π | |
| 90 | ϙ |
| Value | Greek Numeral | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | α | |
| 2 | β | |
| 3 | γ | |
| 4 | δ | |
| 5 | ε | |
| 6 | ϛ | |
| 7 | ζ | |
| 8 | η | |
| 9 | θ |
| Keraia | Copy |
|---|---|
| ʹ |
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Akrophonic Greek Numerals (~5. Century BCE)
To put together a Greek numeral using the akrophonic system (which developed parallel to Roman numerals and works similar to these) using the numerals commonly used in Athens:
- Copy the numeral for the largest value that fits in the number you want to construct (e.g., Η for 194)..
- Repeat with the next largest value, repeating numerals as needed (e.g., ΗΗ for 200)
No subtractions: Unlike Roman numerals, akrophonic Greek numerals only know addition, no subtraction (e.g. 𐅆ΧΧΧΧ for 9000).
Examples: 8 is 𐅃ΙΙΙ, 423 ΗΗΗΗΔΔΙΙΙ and 6002 𐅆ΧΙΙ.
| Value | Akrophonic Numeral (Attic) | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 50000 | 𐅇 | |
| 10000 | Μ | |
| 5000 | 𐅆 | |
| 1000 | Χ | |
| 500 | 𐅅 | |
| 100 | Η | |
| 50 | 𐅄 | |
| 10 | Δ | |
| 5 | 𐅃 | |
| 1 | Ι |
Greek Numerals to Copy and Paste: FAQ
Can I use modern Greek characters for Greek numerals?
Yes.
You can type Greek numerals using a modern Greek keyboard with the following tweaks:
- For 6, use στ (stigma).
- For 90 and 900, you can copy the classic characters.
(First published December ͵βκεʹ)