In their numeral scale 15, "one foot," is followed by 16, "one man less 4"; 17, "one man less 3"; 18, "one man less 2"; 19, "one man less 1"; and 20, one man.

Twenty-five is "one man and one hand"; 26, "one man and two hands less 4"; 36, "two men less 4"; and so on.

This method of formation prevails throughout the entire numeral scale.[63] One of the best known and most interesting examples of subtraction as a well-defined principle of formation is found in the Maya scale.

Up to 40 no special peculiarity appears; but as the count progresses beyond that point we find a succession of numerals which one is almost tempted to call 60 - 19, 60 - 18, 60 - 17, etc.

Literally translated the meanings seem to be 1 to 60, 2 to 60, 3 to 60, etc.