Calculators · 4 min read
Roman Numerals Explained — How to Read and Write Them
Roman numerals appear on clocks, movie credits, building inscriptions, and Super Bowl titles. Here's the complete guide to reading and writing them.
The 7 Basic Symbols
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |
Subtractive Notation (The IV Rule)
When a smaller symbol appears before a larger one, subtract it. The 6 valid subtractive combinations:
| Roman | Value |
|---|---|
| IV | 4 (5 − 1) |
| IX | 9 (10 − 1) |
| XL | 40 (50 − 10) |
| XC | 90 (100 − 10) |
| CD | 400 (500 − 100) |
| CM | 900 (1000 − 100) |
Example: 2026 = MMXXVI (MM=2000, XX=20, VI=6)
Frequently Asked Questions
I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000.
Subtractive notation was standardized to avoid repeating the same symbol more than 3 times. I before V means 5−1=4.
MMXXIV — MM=2000, XX=20, IV=4.
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