Tooth notation converter: Palmer, FDI (ISO 3950) & Universal

Convert any tooth between the three numbering systems used in dentistry — Palmer, FDI / ISO 3950 and Universal (ADA) — for both adult (32) and deciduous (20) dentitions. Enter an FDI number, a Universal number or letter, or BSP shorthand (e.g. UR6) to find the matching tooth.

Adult dentition — Palmer, FDI and Universal conversion chart

ToothPalmerFDIUniversal
UR1 Central Incisor1┘118
UR2 Lateral Incisor2┘127
UR3 Canine3┘136
UR4 1st Premolar4┘145
UR5 2nd Premolar5┘154
UR6 1st Molar6┘163
UR7 2nd Molar7┘172
UR8 3rd Molar (Wisdom)8┘181
UL1 Central Incisor1└219
UL2 Lateral Incisor2└2210
UL3 Canine3└2311
UL4 1st Premolar4└2412
UL5 2nd Premolar5└2513
UL6 1st Molar6└2614
UL7 2nd Molar7└2715
UL8 3rd Molar (Wisdom)8└2816
LL1 Central Incisor1┌3124
LL2 Lateral Incisor2┌3223
LL3 Canine3┌3322
LL4 1st Premolar4┌3421
LL5 2nd Premolar5┌3520
LL6 1st Molar6┌3619
LL7 2nd Molar7┌3718
LL8 3rd Molar (Wisdom)8┌3817
LR1 Central Incisor1┐4125
LR2 Lateral Incisor2┐4226
LR3 Canine3┐4327
LR4 1st Premolar4┐4428
LR5 2nd Premolar5┐4529
LR6 1st Molar6┐4630
LR7 2nd Molar7┐4731
LR8 3rd Molar (Wisdom)8┐4832

Deciduous dentition — Palmer, FDI and Universal conversion chart

ToothPalmerFDIUniversal
UR1 Central IncisorA┘51E
UR2 Lateral IncisorB┘52D
UR3 CanineC┘53C
UR4 1st MolarD┘54B
UR5 2nd MolarE┘55A
UL1 Central IncisorA└61F
UL2 Lateral IncisorB└62G
UL3 CanineC└63H
UL4 1st MolarD└64I
UL5 2nd MolarE└65J
LL1 Central IncisorA┌71O
LL2 Lateral IncisorB┌72N
LL3 CanineC┌73M
LL4 1st MolarD┌74L
LL5 2nd MolarE┌75K
LR1 Central IncisorA┐81P
LR2 Lateral IncisorB┐82Q
LR3 CanineC┐83R
LR4 1st MolarD┐84S
LR5 2nd MolarE┐85T

Frequently asked questions

What are the main tooth-numbering systems?

Three systems are in common use. Palmer notation uses a grid symbol plus a tooth number (1–8 for adults, A–E for deciduous) to show the quadrant. FDI (ISO 3950) is a two-digit system where the first digit is the quadrant and the second is the tooth position. Universal (ADA) numbers adult teeth 1–32 and uses letters A–T for deciduous teeth.

How do I convert FDI to Universal?

In FDI, the first digit gives the quadrant and the second the tooth. For example, FDI 11 is the upper-right central incisor, which is tooth 8 in the Universal system. Enter any FDI number into the converter to see the equivalent Palmer and Universal notation instantly.

What is FDI / ISO 3950 notation?

FDI World Dental Federation notation, standardised as ISO 3950, is the two-digit system used across the UK and most of the world. The first digit identifies the quadrant (1–4 for permanent teeth, 5–8 for deciduous) and the second identifies the tooth from the midline (1) to the back of the mouth (8). It is unambiguous and easy to dictate.

Which notation does the UK use?

UK dentistry primarily uses FDI (ISO 3950) two-digit notation and Palmer notation. The Universal (ADA) system is most common in the United States. This converter shows all three side by side so you can translate between any of them.

Is this converter clinically accurate?

The notation conversions are deterministic and follow the published FDI (ISO 3950), Palmer and Universal (ADA) standards. Root, canal and eruption information is typical and provided for reference only — always confirm anatomy with radiographs and clinical examination, as individual variation is common.

References

Reference chart only — not clinical advice. Root and canal anatomy is typical; confirm with radiographs. Eruption ages are population averages.

Powered by nosht.ioBPE calculator, NHS UDA & band calculator, start a free trial.