Numberwise

909

The Roland TR-909 is the drum machine behind house and techno.

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Where 909 fits

Where 909 fits: Mathematics, Media, Related numbersMathematics: Palindromic number. Media: Musical time signatures. Related numbers: 303, 808.MathematicsPalindromic numberMediaMusical time signaturesRelated numbers303808909
909 connects to 3 worlds: mathematics, media, related numbers.

Why 909 is special

It replaced the 808's analogue sounds with samples for cymbals while keeping analogue drums, and its hi-hats and kick define the rhythmic vocabulary of dance music. It also sold badly when new.

909 is part of

Repeating / palindromic numbersNumbers in music and soundNumbers around us

Factors & digit properties

Divisors (6)
1, 3, 9, 101, 303, 909
Prime factorisation
3^2 × 101
Digit sum
18
Digital root
9

Representations

Decimal
909
Binary
1110001101
Octal
1615
Hexadecimal
38d
Roman numeral
CMIX
Scientific notation
9.090 × 10^2

Other mathematical patterns

Related numbers & connections

Documented appearance
The TR-909's step sequencer divides a bar into sixteen, tying its programming directly to the time signature in use.

The TR-909's step sequencer divides a bar into sixteen, tying its programming directly to the time signature in use.

Connection
The TB-303 and TR-909 were sold as accompaniment for solo musicians, failed commercially, and together produced acid house when used against their design intent.

The TB-303 and TR-909 were sold as accompaniment for solo musicians, failed commercially, and together produced acid house when used against their design intent.

View 303 →

Numbers Around Us

  • appears inMusical time signatures
    why?

    Strength 0.50, confidence "high".

Other connections

  • is associated with303
    why?

    Strength 0.50, confidence "high".

  • is associated with808
    why?

    Strength 0.50, confidence "high".

How is 909 connected to another number? →

Media & popular culture

  • The TR-909 followed the 808 and also sold poorly, then became foundational to house and techno once units reached second-hand shops. The pattern repeated exactly.

    DocumentedMedia & popular culturePeriod: 1983

Common questions

Is 909 a prime number?

No, 909 is not prime.

What are the factors of 909?

The factors of 909 are 1, 3, 9, 101, 303, 909.

What is 909 in Roman numerals?

909 in Roman numerals is CMIX.

About this page's data

Mathematical facts:computed directly from the number's value — nothing to source or verify externally.

Contextual records: 1 reviewer-confirmed record, sourced and reviewed before publication.

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026