This calculator uses the widely used GMT correlation (584283) to map Gregorian dates to the Mayan Tzolk'in and Haab cycles.
What this Mayan calendar sign calculator shows
The Mayan calendar is made of several interlocking cycles. For most people searching for a “Mayan sign,” the key result is your Tzolk'in day sign and number (for example, 4 Ajaw or 9 Ik'). This page calculates that from your birth date and also gives two bonus outputs:
- Haab date (the 365-day civil cycle),
- Long Count notation for dates on or after the traditional creation base date.
How the calculation works (short version)
1) Convert your date to a day count
Your Gregorian date is converted to a Julian Day Number (JDN), which is a continuous day count used in astronomy and calendar math.
2) Compare to the Mayan base correlation
We use the GMT correlation constant of 584283, where the Mayan base date aligns to 4 Ajaw 8 Kumk'u. From there, we count forward or backward by whole days.
3) Cycle through sacred and civil calendars
The sacred Tzolk'in repeats every 260 days (13 numbers × 20 signs). The Haab repeats every 365 days (18 months × 20 days + 5 Wayeb days). The calculator applies modular arithmetic to place your date in both cycles.
The 20 Tzolk'in day signs at a glance
- Imix – primal force, beginnings, nourishment
- Ik' – wind, breath, communication
- Ak'b'al – dawn/night, mystery, inner world
- K'an – seed, potential, abundance
- Chikchan – life-force, instinct, vitality
- Kimi – transformation, release, ancestors
- Manik' – healing, balance, service
- Lamat – beauty, fertility, growth
- Muluk – emotion, offering, purification
- Ok – loyalty, heart, guidance
- Chuwen – creativity, play, artisan energy
- Eb' – path, destiny, human journey
- B'en – growth, leadership, direction
- Ix – intuition, Earth magic, sacred feminine
- Men – vision, strategy, higher perspective
- Kib' – wisdom, forgiveness, clearing
- Kab'an – movement, synchronicity, Earth intelligence
- Etz'nab' – truth, reflection, discernment
- Kawak – storm, renewal, cleansing
- Ajaw – enlightenment, mastery, solar consciousness
What the 13 numbers represent
The number part of your sign (1–13) is often interpreted as the tone or energetic rhythm of the day. In many modern interpretations, lower numbers reflect initiation and structure, middle numbers reflect movement and integration, and higher numbers reflect transformation and completion before the cycle restarts.
Using your result meaningfully
A Mayan sign reading can be used as a reflective prompt rather than a fixed label. If your sign is linked with communication, for example, you might ask: “How do I express myself clearly in my relationships and work?” If your sign is linked with transformation, you might ask: “What needs to be released so I can grow?”
FAQ
Is this historically exact for all traditions?
There are multiple scholarly and community traditions around correlation and interpretation. This tool uses the most widely used modern correlation (GMT 584283) and a concise interpretation style for personal use.
Why might I see different results on other websites?
Different tools may use alternate correlation constants, timezone handling, or distinct naming/orthography of day signs. Even when math is identical, language and interpretation can vary.
Can I use this for dates before 3114 BCE?
The Tzolk'in and Haab cycles can still be calculated mathematically for earlier dates, but Long Count display is most commonly discussed from the base epoch onward.