# Palmer notation converter

> Convert Palmer quadrant-bracket notation to Universal and FDI tooth numbers.

URL: https://dentovio.com/tools/palmer-notation-converter

Last verified: 2026-07-08

Neutral tooth-designation reference only; not clinical, diagnostic, or treatment advice.

## Direct answer

- Palmer notation records the tooth position from the midline inside a bracket that identifies the quadrant.
- Permanent Palmer positions use 1-8; primary Palmer positions use A-E.
- An upper-left Palmer 6 is Universal 14 and FDI 26.
- A lower-left Palmer 6 is Universal 19 and FDI 36.

## How Palmer notation maps

The number or letter gives the position from the midline. The bracket shape identifies upper versus lower and patient right versus patient left. Universal numbering uses one sequence across the full mouth; FDI uses quadrant plus position.

## Sources

- Source 1: American Dental Association — Universal Numbering System. <https://www.ada.org/publications/ada-news/2020/november/how-to-count-teeth-numbering-systems>
- Source 2: ISO 3950:2016 — Dentistry, designation system for teeth and areas of the oral cavity (FDI two-digit). <https://www.iso.org/standard/68292.html>
- Source 3: FDI World Dental Federation — two-digit notation. <https://www.fdiworlddental.org/>

## Related

- [Full tooth numbering chart](https://dentovio.com/tools/tooth-numbering-chart/index.html.md)
- [FDI to Universal converter](https://dentovio.com/tools/fdi-to-universal-converter/index.html.md)