What are Roman Numerals?
Symbols from ancient Rome used to represent numbers.
Roman numerals are a number system that uses letters instead of digits to represent values. This system comes from ancient Rome and is still used today in some clocks, books, movie titles, and important events.
Here are the most common Roman numeral symbols:
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1,000
Roman numerals are built by combining and arranging these letters, sometimes by adding and sometimes by subtracting:
- III = 3 (1 + 1 + 1)
- IX = 9 (10 − 1)
- XII = 12 (10 + 1 + 1)
- XL = 40 (50 − 10)
- CXX = 120 (100 + 10 + 10)
Roman numerals don’t use place value like our base ten number system (0–9), and there’s no symbol for zero in the Roman numeral system.
You might see Roman numerals in real life:
- On clocks: III = 3, VI = 6, XII = 12
- In book chapter numbers or movie sequels: Star Wars Episode IV
- In sports events: Super Bowl LVI
When Do Students Learn About Roman Numerals?
Students are introduced to Roman numerals in elementary school as a fun way to explore different number systems and historical math connections.
Grades 2–3 – Introduction to Roman Numerals
Students learn the basic Roman numeral symbols (I, V, X) and how to write numbers up to 20 or 30 using simple combinations.
Grades 4–5 – Reading and Writing Larger Numerals
Students explore how to build and break down more complex Roman numerals and use them in patterns or puzzles.
Grades 6+ – Roman Numerals in Context
Students encounter Roman numerals in historical texts, art, architecture, or as enrichment in advanced math activities.
