Roman Numerals Chart: Complete Reference Guide
Utilko Team 4 min read Converters
What Are Roman Numerals?
Roman numerals are a number system that originated in ancient Rome, using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Despite being thousands of years old, they are still used today in clocks, movie titles, Super Bowl numbering, book chapters, and formal documents.
The Seven Basic Symbols
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |
Rules for Reading Roman Numerals
- Addition rule: when a smaller value appears after (to the right of) a larger value, add them.
VI = 5 + 1 = 6. - Subtraction rule: when a smaller value appears before (to the left of) a larger value, subtract it.
IV = 5 - 1 = 4. - Repetition: a symbol can be repeated up to three times.
III = 3, but 4 is written asIV, notIIII. - Only I, X, and C can be used for subtraction, and only from the next two higher values (I before V and X; X before L and C; C before D and M).
Common Roman Numerals 1–100
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | 11 | XI | 30 | XXX |
| 2 | II | 12 | XII | 40 | XL |
| 3 | III | 13 | XIII | 50 | L |
| 4 | IV | 14 | XIV | 60 | LX |
| 5 | V | 15 | XV | 70 | LXX |
| 6 | VI | 16 | XVI | 80 | LXXX |
| 7 | VII | 17 | XVII | 90 | XC |
| 8 | VIII | 18 | XVIII | 100 | C |
| 9 | IX | 19 | XIX | 500 | D |
| 10 | X | 20 | XX | 1000 | M |
Try It Now
Use our free Roman Numeral Converter to convert any number to or from Roman numerals.
Roman Numeral Converter →Year Conversion Examples
- 2024 = MMXXIV (1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 4)
- 2025 = MMXXV
- 2026 = MMXXVI
- 1999 = MCMXCIX (1000 + 900 + 90 + 9)
- 1776 = MDCCLXXVI
Where Roman Numerals Are Used Today
- Clock faces: traditional clocks use IIII (not IV) for 4, a convention dating back centuries.
- Movie and game sequels: Rocky II, Star Wars Episode IV, GTA V.
- Super Bowls: Super Bowl LVIII (58).
- Monarchs and popes: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Francis I.
- Outlines and chapters: academic papers and books often number sections with Roman numerals.
- Building cornerstones: the year of construction is often inscribed in Roman numerals.
Conclusion
Roman numerals follow a small set of simple rules that make conversion straightforward once you know the seven basic symbols. Whether you are deciphering a movie title or inscribing a date, our Roman Numeral Converter makes it instant.