Short answer: Unified English Braille (UEB) is the braille code for general English text, and it also has its own math symbols. The Nemeth Code is a specialized code for mathematics and science notation. In the United States, most students read literary material in UEB and math in Nemeth, switching between the two inside the same document (UEB with Nemeth).
What is UEB?
The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) developed UEB to bring English-speaking countries onto one code. The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) adopted UEB for the United States in 2012, and January 4, 2016 was set as the official US implementation date. UEB replaced English Braille American Edition (EBAE) for literary text. The current rulebook is The Rules of Unified English Braille, Third Edition (2024).
What is Nemeth Code?
The Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation was created by Dr. Abraham Nemeth and first adopted in the early 1950s. It uses a separate set of numeric indicators, spacing rules and symbols designed for complex expressions such as fractions, radicals, superscripts and subscripts. BANA adopted a revised edition, The Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation 2022, which was published in 2024.
Key differences
| Topic | UEB | Nemeth |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General English text, with technical rules for math (UEB Math/Science) | Math and science notation only |
| Numbers | Upper-cell numbers (a–j) after a numeric indicator | Lower-cell (dropped) digits |
| Contractions | Used in literary text | Not used in math expressions |
| US status | Official literary code since 2016 | Remains an approved US code for math, used together with UEB |
Code switching: using both together
BANA confirmed that the Nemeth Code remains an official US code alongside UEB and first set out how to use it inside UEB in its Guidance for Transcription Using the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts. Those rules are now part of the Nemeth Code 2022, which replaced the earlier guidance. Opening and closing Nemeth Code indicators mark where a transcriber moves from UEB prose into Nemeth math and back.
Which should a student use?
The IEP team decides, usually led by the teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI). Many US students learn UEB for reading and Nemeth for math. Others use UEB Math/Science for everything. The most important thing is consistency between the classroom, textbooks and tests, including state assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nemeth Code still used in the US after UEB?
Yes. BANA kept the Nemeth Code as an official US code for math and science, and it is used inside UEB documents with Nemeth Code indicators.
When did the US adopt UEB?
BANA adopted UEB in November 2012, and the official US implementation date was January 4, 2016.
Can UEB be used for math?
Yes. UEB includes technical rules for mathematics, and some US students and many other English-speaking countries use UEB for math. The choice is made by the student's educational team.
Can Quality Braille Transcriptions transcribe in both codes?
Yes. Quality Braille Transcriptions transcribes in UEB Literary, UEB with Nemeth and UEB Math/Science, with tactile graphics, by a certified braille transcriber.
Sources
- BANA – Unified English Braille
- BANA – Nemeth Code
- BANA – Announcement of the Nemeth Code 2022 (PDF)
- ICEB – The Rules of Unified English Braille
- NFB – Braille certification and UEB rulebook
Last updated October 26, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.