According to one embodiment, a method for formatting and indexing data includes selecting an input data string associated with a data entry. The input data string is of a first format associated with a first numeral system. The input data string is converted to a second format to create an output data string, which is associated with a second numeral system that is a higher-based numeral system than the first numeral system. The output data string is used to create an index associated with the data entry.