Roman Numeral Reference Chart
Roman numerals use seven core symbols. Every other number is built by combining them using additive and subtractive rules.
| Roman | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | I = 1, II = 2, III = 3 |
| IV | 4 | Subtraction rule: I before V |
| V | 5 | V = 5, VI = 6, VII = 7 |
| IX | 9 | Subtraction rule: I before X |
| X | 10 | X = 10, XX = 20, XXX = 30 |
| XL | 40 | Subtraction rule: X before L |
| L | 50 | L = 50, LX = 60 |
| XC | 90 | Subtraction rule: X before C |
| C | 100 | C = 100, CC = 200, CCC = 300 |
| CD | 400 | Subtraction rule: C before D |
| D | 500 | D = 500, DC = 600 |
| CM | 900 | Subtraction rule: C before M |
| M | 1,000 | M = 1000, MM = 2000, MMM = 3000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 in Roman numerals is MMXXVI. M = 1000, M = 1000, XX = 20, V = 5, I = 1. Total: 1000 + 1000 + 20 + 5 + 1 = 2026.
What is the largest number that can be written in Roman numerals?
Using the standard system, the largest number is 3,999, written as MMMCMXCIX. Numbers above this traditionally require a vinculum (a bar over letters to multiply by 1,000).
Why doesn't Roman numeral notation have a zero?
The Roman numeral system was developed for counting and tallying concrete quantities — you wouldn't need to write "nothing." The concept of zero as a placeholder was introduced much later through Arabic and Indian mathematical traditions.
What is 1999 in Roman numerals?
1999 in Roman numerals is MCMXCIX. M = 1000, CM = 900, XC = 90, IX = 9. Total: 1000 + 900 + 90 + 9 = 1999.
How do subtractive Roman numerals work?
When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, you subtract it. For example, IV means 5 − 1 = 4, and XC means 100 − 10 = 90. Only I, X, and C can be used subtractively, and only before the next two larger values each.
Are Roman numerals still used today?
Yes — you'll find them on clock faces, movie copyright dates, Super Bowl numbering (e.g. Super Bowl LVIII), chapter headings, monarchs and popes (e.g. King Charles III), and the credits of films and TV shows.