Last updated: March 2026
Complete Roman Numerals Chart
The table below shows key Roman numeral values from 1 to 3,999, covering all the basic symbols, subtractive combinations, and milestone numbers you are most likely to encounter.
| Number | Roman Numeral |
|---|---|
| 1 | I |
| 2 | II |
| 3 | III |
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 6 | VI |
| 7 | VII |
| 8 | VIII |
| 9 | IX |
| 10 | X |
| 20 | XX |
| 30 | XXX |
| 40 | XL |
| 50 | L |
| 60 | LX |
| 70 | LXX |
| 80 | LXXX |
| 90 | XC |
| 100 | C |
| 200 | CC |
| 300 | CCC |
| 400 | CD |
| 500 | D |
| 600 | DC |
| 700 | DCC |
| 800 | DCCC |
| 900 | CM |
| 1,000 | M |
| 1,500 | MD |
| 2,000 | MM |
| 2,500 | MMD |
| 3,000 | MMM |
| 3,999 | MMMCMXCIX |
Roman Numeral Rules Explained
Roman numerals follow a surprisingly simple set of rules once you understand the underlying logic. There are three core principles that govern how numbers are formed:
1. Addition: when symbols are arranged from largest to smallest (left to right), you add their values. Example: CLXVI = 100 + 50 + 10 + 5 + 1 = 166.
2. Subtraction: when a smaller-value symbol appears immediately before a larger-value symbol, the smaller value is subtracted. This creates six special pairs: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400), CM (900). Only I, X, and C can be used in subtractive positions.
3. Repetition limits: the symbols I, X, C, and M may appear up to three times consecutively. The symbols V, L, and D never repeat. This ensures every number has exactly one correct representation.
These rules mean that the standard Roman numeral system can represent every integer from 1 through 3,999 with a unique, unambiguous notation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 Roman numerals?
The seven basic Roman numeral symbols are: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1,000). All Roman numerals are formed by combining these seven symbols using addition and subtraction rules.
How do you read Roman numerals?
Read from left to right. Add symbol values together when each value is equal to or greater than the next. When a smaller value appears before a larger value, subtract it. For example, XIV = 10 + (5 - 1) = 14. MCMXCIV = 1000 + (1000-100) + (100-10) + (5-1) = 1994.
What is the Roman numeral for 2026?
2026 in Roman numerals is MMXXVI. It breaks down as: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6) = 2026.
Why do clocks use IIII instead of IV?
Many clock faces use IIII instead of IV for the number 4. The exact reason is debated, but common theories include: visual balance with VIII on the opposite side, tradition dating back to early clockmakers, and the idea that IV might be confused with the Roman god Jupiter (IVPITER in Latin). Both IIII and IV are historically valid.
Can Roman numerals go above 3,999?
Standard Roman numeral notation tops out at 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). For larger numbers, the ancient Romans used a vinculum — a horizontal line above a numeral that multiplies its value by 1,000. So V with a bar = 5,000 and X with a bar = 10,000. This extended notation is rarely used in modern contexts.
What are the subtractive combinations in Roman numerals?
There are six subtractive combinations: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400), and CM (900). Only I, X, and C can be used subtractively, and each is only placed before the next two higher-value symbols. For example, I can precede V and X, but not L, C, D, or M.