How to Learn Roman Numerals

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Roman numerals are the numerical system used in ancient Rome. They use combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent different values. Learning Roman numerals can help you write outlines, understand ancient Roman culture, and become a more cultured human being. Find out how to quickly master those tricky symbols after the jump.

Steps

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  1. Here's what you need to know to get started: [1]
    • I = 1
    • V = 5
    • X = 10
    • L = 50
    • C = 100
    • D = 500
    • M = 1000
  2. If you have a hard time remembering what goes where, just try this simple one: M y D ear C at L oves X tra V itamins I ntensely. [2]
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  3. Here they are: [3]
    • I = 1
    • II = 2
    • III = 3
    • IV = 4
    • V = 5
    • VI = 6
    • VII = 7
    • VIII = 8
    • IX = 9
  4. Here they are: [4]
    • X = 10
    • XX = 20
    • XXX = 30
    • XL = 40
    • L = 50
    • LX = 60
    • LXX = 70
    • LXXX = 80
    • XC = 90
  5. Here they are: [5]
    • C = 100
    • CC = 200
    • CCC = 300
    • CD = 400
    • D = 500
    • DC = 600
    • DCC = 700
    • DCCC = 800
    • CM = 900
  6. When you place the same symbols together, you can just add their values. Normally the maximum number of the consecutive same symbols is three. [6]
    • II = 2
    • XXX = 30
  7. Similar to the above rule, just add their values together. Remember the numeral must have the larger symbol value first for this to work. Here's how you do it: [7]
    • XI = 11
    • MCL = 1150
  8. In this case, you need to subtract the smaller value from the larger value. Here's how you do it: [8]
    • IV = 4
    • CM = 900
  9. There are numerous rules that govern the way Roman numerals are supposed to look. Here are some rules to know: [9]
    • IV should be used rather than IIII
    • 2987 is written as MMCMLXXXVII because:
      • The first M gives you 1000
      • The next M gives you 1000
      • The next CM gives you 900
      • The next LXXX gives you 80
      • The next VII gives you 7
      • Therefore if you add the amounts together, you will get 2987.
  10. Since M = 1,000, if you want to represent one million, a bar, or line, is added above the numeral M, equaling one million. The bar above the numeral represents that figure times one thousand. Thus, M x M= 1,000,000.
    • Five million would be represented by MMMMM with a bar above each M. This procedure is necessary because in Roman numerals, there is no larger symbol than M (1,000). This method isn't commonly used, but it's good to know how it works.
  11. If you want to make sure you converted a number correctly, check out some online converters to see if you're on track. [10]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I write 1,000,000?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    As shown above, use M with a bar (horizontal line) above it. That means 1,000 multiplied by 1,000. Another way is to write M x M.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 38 Helpful 93
  • Question
    How can I learn these in a day?
    Community Answer
    1) Memorize the meaning of the letters (e.g. M = 1000, C =100). 2) Learn to group the combinations in different digits (E.g. Thousandth, hundereded, tenth, ones; MMCMLXXVII = MM CM LXXX VII). 3) learn when to add and when to subtract. MMCMLXXVII = (1000+1000)+(1000-100)+(50+10+10+10)+(5+1+1) = 2987
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 55 Helpful 86
  • Question
    How do I remember roman numerals?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Use flash cards, or read this article (or others like it) over and over again until it's committed to memory. There are no shortcuts. You just have to memorize.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 28 Helpful 37
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mathsisfun.com/roman-numerals.html#convert
      2. ↑ https://www.romannumerals.org/blog/easy-ways-to-remember-roman-numerals-17
      3. ↑ https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-11/BasicCalculationsReview.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-11/BasicCalculationsReview.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-11/BasicCalculationsReview.pdf
      6. ↑ https://reference.yourdictionary.com/resources/romanums.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cuemath.com/numbers/xi-roman-numerals/
      8. ↑ https://mathworld.wolfram.com/RomanNumerals.html
      9. ↑ https://mathworld.wolfram.com/RomanNumerals.html
      1. ↑ http://www.mathsisfun.com/roman-numerals.html#convert

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To learn Roman numerals, know that I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, and M = 1,000. If a symbol comes after another symbol, then you add it to the symbol before it. For example, VI = 6 since V = 5 and I = 1. If a symbol comes before another symbol, subtract it instead. For example, IV = 4. Also, keep in mind that you can't have more than 3 of the same symbol in a row. So, instead of writing VIIII for 9, you'd write IX. To learn how to write the date using Roman numerals, scroll down!

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