Roman numerals show up on clocks, film credits, Super Bowl logos, book chapters and tattoos. Once you know two rules, you can read any of them.
In this guide
- The 7 symbols
- Rule 1: add when smaller follows larger
- Rule 2: subtract when smaller comes first
- Reading years
- Quick chart
- Convert instantly
The 7 symbols
| Symbol | I | V | X | L | C | D | M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 1 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 500 | 1000 |
Rule 1: add when smaller follows larger
VI = 5 + 1 = 6. XV = 10 + 5 = 15. MC = 1000 + 100 = 1100.
Rule 2: subtract when smaller comes first
IV = 5 − 1 = 4. IX = 9. XL = 40. XC = 90. CD = 400. CM = 900. Only I, X and C are used to subtract.
Reading years
Split into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones:
- MMXXVI = MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6) = 2026
- MCMXCIX = M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IX (9) = 1999
- MMXXV = 2025
Quick chart
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | 20 | XX |
| 4 | IV | 40 | XL |
| 5 | V | 50 | L |
| 9 | IX | 90 | XC |
| 10 | X | 100 | C |
| 14 | XIV | 500 | D |
| 19 | XIX | 1000 | M |
Convert instantly
Use our Number to Roman Numerals and Roman Numerals to Number converters.
Frequently asked questions
Why do clocks show IIII instead of IV?
Many clock makers use IIII for visual balance; both are seen.
What is 2027 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVII.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No.
