A numeral is a symbol or group of symbols used to represent a number. When you write “7” or “23” or “1,000,” you're using numerals.

Different cultures have invented different numeral systems throughout history. You're most familiar with Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), which came to Europe from the Middle East about a thousand years ago. But Roman numerals (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) are still used today on clock faces, in book chapters, and after names like “Queen Elizabeth II.” Ancient Egyptians had their own numerals, and so did the Mayans, Chinese, and many other civilizations.

Understanding that numerals are symbols helps explain why different numeral systems can represent the same number: “12,” “XII,” and “twelve” all mean the same quantity, just written differently. When you do math homework, you're working with numerals on paper. When you count twelve apples in your head, you're thinking about the number itself. A numeral is simply how we write it down.