Major System Mnemonic Technique - Encoder & Decoder
Quick Reference
Vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and W, H, Y are ignored
Important Limitations
This decoder works on SPELLING, not PHONETICS. The Major System is fundamentally phonetic-based, which means some words will decode incorrectly:
- Silent letters: Words like "knight", "gnome", or "psychology" will include silent consonants in the decode
- UK spellings with "ough": Words like "tough", "through", "thought" won't decode correctly as their phonetic sounds vary
- Regional pronunciations: UK vs US differences (e.g., "schedule" = sk vs sh sound)
- Silent letters at start: "pneumonia", "gnaw", "knife" will incorrectly include the first consonant
Best practice: When encoding numbers to words, spell them phonetically (e.g., use "nite" instead of "knight", "tuff" instead of "tough") or manually adjust the results.
What is the Major System?
The Major System (also called the Major Method or Phonetic Number System) is a mnemonic technique used to aid in memorizing numbers. It works by converting numbers into consonant sounds, then into words by adding vowels.
Historical Background
The Major System has roots dating back to the mid-1600s. It was developed and refined by several memory experts including Johann Winkelmann and later Gregor von Feinaigle. The name "Major System" comes from Major Beniowski, who popularized a version of it in the 19th century.
The Complete Mapping
The system is based on phonetic sounds, not spelling. Here's the complete mapping with memory aids:
| Digit | Sounds | Memory Aid |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | S, Z, soft C | "Zero" starts with Z; S is similar sound |
| 1 | T, D, TH | T and D have one downstroke |
| 2 | N | N has two downstrokes |
| 3 | M | M has three downstrokes |
| 4 | R | "Four" ends with R |
| 5 | L | L is the Roman numeral for 50 |
| 6 | J, SH, CH, soft G | J looks like a reversed 6 |
| 7 | K, hard C, hard G, Q | Two 7s make a sideways K |
| 8 | F, V, PH | Script f looks like 8 |
| 9 | P, B | P is a mirror of 9; B has two bumps like 9 |
Rules and Guidelines
- Vowels are free: A, E, I, O, U have no value and can be used freely
- W, H, Y are ignored: These letters have no numeric value
- Double letters: Double consonants count as one sound (e.g., "butter" = 914, not 9114)
- It's phonetic: Base it on sound, not spelling ("phone" = 82, not 9-something)
- Silent letters are ignored: The K in "knight" doesn't count
Examples
| Word | Breakdown | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Moon | M(3) + oo + N(2) | 32 |
| Butter | B(9) + u + TT(1) + e + R(4) | 914 |
| Telephone | T(1) + e + L(5) + e + PH(8) + o + N(2) | 1582 |
| Computer | C(7) + o + M(3) + P(9) + u + T(1) + e + R(4) | 73914 |
Building Your Vocabulary
To use the Major System effectively, build a personal vocabulary of words for common number combinations:
- 00-99: Create a word for each two-digit number (peg list)
- Common sequences: Develop phrases for numbers you need to remember often
- Personal connections: Choose words that have meaning to you
Practical Applications
- Phone numbers: Convert to memorable phrases
- PIN codes: Create a single memorable word
- Historical dates: Link events to vivid images
- Speeches: Remember key points in order
- Shopping lists: Associate items with number-pegs
Download the Major System Cheat Sheet (PDF)
If you'd like a quick reference guide for the Major System, you can download our free one-page cheat sheet. It includes the full digit–sound table, examples, and helpful tips for turning numbers into memorable words and images.
Major System Cheat Sheet (PDF)
This is perfect if you’re practising with flashcards, building a PAO system, or combining the Major System with our Leitner Box spaced-repetition scheduler.
Major System FAQ
What is the Major System used for?
The Major System is used to convert numbers into words or images, making long numbers easier to remember using visual associations.
Is the Major System hard to learn?
No. It is based on a simple set of consonant sounds for digits 0–9. Once memorised, it becomes a fast and intuitive memory technique.
Can I create my own Major System words?
Yes. As long as the consonant sounds match the digit pattern, any memorable word or image will work.
Is the Major System good for memorising long numbers?
Yes. It is one of the strongest mnemonic systems for remembering credit card numbers, dates, PINs, historical years, or sequences like Pi.
How does the Major System compare to the Dominic System?
The Major System focuses on phonetic sounds, while the Dominic System assigns letters based on digit pairs. Both are effective, but the Major System offers greater flexibility.