Egyptian numerals

[2] The hieratic form of numerals stressed an exact finite series notation, ciphered one-to-one onto the Egyptian alphabet.

For instance, a stone carving from Karnak shows the number 4,622 as: Egyptian hieroglyphs could be written in both directions (and even vertically).

[4] However, the symbol nefer (nfr𓄤, "good", "complete", "beautiful") was apparently also used for two numeric purposes:[5] According to Carl Boyer, a deed from Edfu contained a "zero concept" replacing the magnitude in geometry.

Boyer saw the new hieratic numerals as ciphered, mapping one number onto one Egyptian letter for the first time in human history.

[citation needed] In the oldest hieratic texts the individual numerals were clearly written in a ciphered relationship to the Egyptian alphabet.

[citation needed] The following table shows the reconstructed Middle Egyptian forms of the numerals (which are indicated by a preceding asterisk), the transliteration of the hieroglyphs used to write them, and finally the Coptic numerals which descended from them and which give Egyptologists clues as to the vocalism of the original Egyptian numbers.