Step by step
- Learn the seven values in order.
- Notice the pattern 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000.
- Build numbers by combining them.
At a glance
| Symbol | Value | Memory hint |
|---|---|---|
| I, V, X | 1, 5, 10 | Fingers and hands |
| L, C | 50, 100 | C as in century |
| D, M | 500, 1000 | M as in millennium |
Related questions
Is there a symbol for zero?
No, the Romans had no numeral for zero.
Why was J sometimes used?
Medieval scribes wrote a final I as J, as in iij for 3, to prevent tampering.
Are lowercase numerals allowed?
Yes, i, ii, iii are common for page numbers and lists.
More questions: roman numeral converter
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- Why is 4 written IV and not IIII?
- Why is 99 written XCIX and not IC?
- How to type Roman numerals in Word, Google Docs and Excel
- How to write numbers above 3999 in Roman numerals
- Where do Roman numerals come from and why do we still use them?
Open the full roman numeral converter →
Updated November 14, 2026.