Roman Numerals Chart
The seven basic symbols used in Roman numerals and their values:
Common Numbers in Roman Numerals
How to Read and Write Roman Numerals
The Basic Rules
- Addition Rule: When a smaller numeral appears after a larger one, add them together. Example: VI = 5 + 1 = 6
- Subtraction Rule: When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, subtract it. Example: IV = 5 - 1 = 4
- Repetition Rule: A symbol can be repeated up to three times consecutively. Example: III = 3, XXX = 30
- No Repetition: V, L, and D cannot be repeated. Use IV instead of IIII, and XL instead of XXXX
- Subtraction Limits: Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive numerals, and only before the next two higher values
Historical Context
Roman numerals originated in ancient Rome and were used throughout the Roman Empire from approximately 500 BC to 1500 AD. While Arabic numerals have largely replaced them for most calculations, Roman numerals remain prevalent in:
- Clock faces and watch designs
- Book chapter numbering and outlines
- Copyright years in film and television
- Super Bowl numbering
- Monarchs and popes naming (e.g., Queen Elizabeth II)
- Building cornerstone dates and monuments
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong: IIII for 4 | Correct: IV
- Wrong: VV for 10 | Correct: X
- Wrong: IL for 49 | Correct: XLIX
- Wrong: IC for 99 | Correct: XCIX
- Wrong: IIX for 8 | Correct: VIII
Test Your Knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Roman Numerals Reference Guide
A comprehensive guide to the most commonly used Roman numerals from 1 to 100, plus important milestone numbers.
Numbers 1-20 in Roman Numerals
Numbers by Tens (20-100)
Important Milestone Numbers
Numbers by Hundreds
Years and Dates in Roman Numerals
Roman numerals are commonly used for years in copyrights, monuments, and formal documents:
Roman Numerals in Education & Learning
Teaching Resources
Roman numerals are an important part of mathematics education, typically introduced in elementary school. Here's how they're commonly taught:
- Worksheets: Practice sheets for converting between Roman and Arabic numerals help students memorize the symbols and rules. Common exercises include matching games, fill-in-the-blanks, and conversion problems.
- Roman Numerals Games: Interactive games make learning fun. Popular games include Roman numeral bingo, matching cards, online quizzes, and scavenger hunts finding Roman numerals in everyday life.
- Posters and Charts: Visual aids showing the seven basic symbols (I, V, X, L, C, D, M) and common numbers help students reference while learning. These posters are essential classroom tools.
- Songs and Mnemonics: Roman numerals songs help students remember the symbols and their values. Rhymes and memory tricks make the learning process easier and more engaging.
Common Learning Activities
- Converting your birth year to Roman numerals
- Finding Roman numerals on clocks, watches, and buildings
- Creating timelines using Roman numeral dates
- Solving puzzles and riddles involving Roman numerals
- Writing page numbers in Roman numerals for reports
- Understanding Super Bowl numbering (e.g., Super Bowl LVIII)
Real-World Applications
Understanding Roman numerals is valuable because they appear in:
- Clock Faces: Many analog clocks use Roman numerals (I through XII) for hour markers
- Books: Preface pages, chapter numbers, and volume numbers often use Roman numerals
- Movies & TV: Copyright years in credits (e.g., MCMXCIX for 1999)
- Monarchy & Popes: King Henry VIII, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II
- Sporting Events: Olympics (XXXIII Olympiad), Super Bowl (Super Bowl LIX)
- Architecture: Building cornerstones and dedication plaques showing construction dates
- Formal Documents: Outlines, legal documents, and formal correspondence
Understanding Each Roman Numeral Symbol
I - The Number One
Value: 1 | The letter I represents one, derived from a single finger or tally mark. It's the most basic Roman numeral and can be repeated up to three times (III = 3). When placed before V or X, it acts subtractively (IV = 4, IX = 9).
Common uses: I, II, III (1, 2, 3), IV (4), IX (9), XI (11), XIX (19)
V - The Number Five
Value: 5 | The letter V represents five, possibly derived from an open hand. V cannot be repeated - to write 10, use X instead of VV. V is never used subtractively.
Common uses: V (5), VI (6), VII (7), VIII (8), XV (15), XXV (25), LV (55)
X - The Number Ten
Value: 10 | The letter X represents ten, possibly from two V's joined together. X can be repeated up to three times (XXX = 30). It's used subtractively before L and C (XL = 40, XC = 90).
Common uses: X (10), XX (20), XXX (30), XL (40), XC (90), XIX (19)
L - The Number Fifty
Value: 50 | The letter L represents fifty. It cannot be repeated and is never used subtractively. L appears in the middle range of Roman numerals (40-90).
Common uses: L (50), LX (60), LXX (70), LXXX (80), XL (40), LIX (59)
C - The Number One Hundred
Value: 100 | The letter C represents one hundred, from the Latin word "centum." C can be repeated up to three times (CCC = 300) and is used subtractively before D and M (CD = 400, CM = 900).
Common uses: C (100), CC (200), CCC (300), CD (400), CM (900), XC (90)
D - The Number Five Hundred
Value: 500 | The letter D represents five hundred. It cannot be repeated and is never used subtractively. D is less commonly seen than other symbols but important for numbers 500-900.
Common uses: D (500), DC (600), DCC (700), DCCC (800), CD (400), MDCCC (1800)
M - The Number One Thousand
Value: 1000 | The letter M represents one thousand, from the Latin word "mille." M can be repeated up to three times in standard notation (MMM = 3000). It's essential for writing years and large numbers.
Common uses: M (1000), MM (2000), MMM (3000), MCMXC (1990), MMXXV (2025)
Most Searched Roman Numerals Explained
Why These Numbers Are Popular
Many people search for specific Roman numerals for practical reasons:
- Tattoos: Dates, ages, and lucky numbers are popular tattoo choices in Roman numerals
- Anniversaries: Wedding dates and milestone years are often commemorated in Roman format
- Sports: Super Bowl numbers, Olympic games, and championship titles
- Jewelry: Engraving special dates on rings, watches, and necklaces
- Homework: Students frequently need to convert specific numbers for assignments