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Inka Quipu Knot Numbers
Numbers can be hidden in hanging strings or knot diagrams. The Inka used different knots and positions to record decimal values.
Units: full 0–9 reference
1
figure-eight knot (units 1)
2
long knot (2 turns)
3
long knot (3 turns)
4
long knot (4 turns)
5
long knot (5 turns)
6
long knot (6 turns)
7
long knot (7 turns)
8
long knot (8 turns)
9
long knot (9 turns)
Tens, hundreds, and examples
For numerical Inka khipus, the lowest group on a hanging cord represents the units. One uses a figure-eight knot; 2–9 use long knots with that many turns. Upper positions represent tens, hundreds, thousands with groups of simple overhand knots. A blank place represents zero.
Example: 135. One simple knot in the hundreds position, three simple knots in the tens position, and a five-turn long knot at the bottom. The diagrams are schematic counting guides—not instructions for tying historical knots.
| Position from top | Digit 1 | Digit 3 | Digit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hundreds | 1 single knot | 3 single knots | 5 single knots |
| Tens | 1 single knot | 3 single knots | 5 single knots |
| Ones (lowest) | Figure-eight | 3-turn long knot | 5-turn long knot |
Numerical knot interpretations apply to documented decimal khipus. Not all khipus are fully understood, and cord colour and attachment also mattered.