What is Nemeth Code?

Date Updated: 
05/24/22

Nemeth Code is a special type of braille used for math and science notations. It was developed in 1946 by Dr. Abraham Nemeth as part of his doctoral studies in mathematics. In 1952, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) accepted Nemeth Code as the standard code for representing math and science expressions in braille. With Nemeth Code, one can render all mathematical and technical documents into six-dot braille, including expressions in these areas:

  • Arithmetic
  • Column arithmetic, including carrying and borrowing
  • Long division
  • Algebra
  • Geometry (not including figure drawings)
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus
  • Modern mathematics up to research level

Because Nemeth Code is in six-dot braille, it can be generated using some of the braille tools, such as a computer, a slate and stylus, or the Perkins Braille Writer.

Freedom Scientific offers a free downloadable Nemeth Code self-study, which is designed for blind individuals to learn to read and write the Nemeth Code for braille mathematics. To learn or refresh skills using this code, visit Freedom Scientific's Nemeth Code Self-Study Instructional Material.