The Gallifreyan Number System

Numbers use a completely different system from letters. Instead of shapes and dots, numbers use concentric rings with lines and circles to represent digits.

The Rules

• Read outer to inner: Each ring is one digit (hundreds → tens → ones)
• Line = +1: Each line in a ring adds 1 to the digit value
• Circle = +5: Each circle in a ring adds 5 to the digit value
• Combine them: 1 circle + 2 lines = 5 + 2 = 7
• Center line = negative: A line through the center circle makes the number negative
• Thick line = decimal: The thickest line marks the decimal point (innermost ring if no decimal)

How Numbers Work

Let's break down the number 7:

• Start with 0
• Add 1 circle = 5
• Add 2 lines = +2
• Result: 5 + 2 = 7

For 42 (the answer to everything):

• Outer ring: 4 lines = 4
• Inner ring: 1 circle + 2 lines = 2
• Read together: 42

Example Numbers

Here are example numbers with explanations:

Negative Numbers and Decimals

Negative numbers: A line through the center circle makes the whole number negative (e.g., -42)

Decimal numbers: The thickest line in the innermost ring indicates the decimal point. Example: 6.7 has the thick line in the inner ring.

How to Build: 42

Let's construct 42 step-by-step:

1. Outer ring: Draw 4 lines = digit 4
2. Inner ring: Draw 1 circle + 2 lines = digit 2 (5 + 2)
3. Thick line: Make the innermost line thicker (no decimal, so this is optional)
4. Result: Reading outer-to-inner gives 42

Example Numbers

Here are more example numbers to help you practice:

Negative Numbers and Decimals

Negative numbers: A line through the center circle makes the whole number negative (e.g., -42)

Decimal numbers: The thickest line in the innermost ring indicates the decimal point. Example: 6.7 has the thick line in the inner ring.

Practice Challenge

Can you decode these numbers?

You've Completed the Lessons!

Congratulations! You've learned:

• ✅ The 31-letter alphabet organized by shape
• ✅ How vowels attach to consonants
• ✅ Reading simple and complex words
• ✅ Sentence structure and punctuation
• ✅ The number system

For the complete guide with all advanced techniques, artistic styles, and special characters, download the official Circular Gallifreyan guide from Sherman's Planet.

Continue practicing with the Practice section to improve your reading speed and accuracy!