5 in Roman Numerals
Five is the first value to earn a letter of its own rather than a pile of strokes, and V is where the system stops counting and starts abbreviating. It is the hinge of the single digits: four leans on it from below as IV, and six, seven and eight are built on top of it as VI, VII and VIII.
How V is formed
Reading left to right, 5 breaks into these additive parts. Each Roman symbol is added in turn to reach the total.
V = 5 = 5.
Where 5 in Roman numerals is used
- Hour 5 on a clock or watch face, shown as V.
- Chapter, act or appendix numbering in books and plays.
- Super Bowl V and other numbered championship events.
- Outlines, exam questions and list items in formal documents.
Good to know about 5
- On a clock or watch face, 5 o'clock is shown as V.
- Super Bowl V was played in 1971; the NFL numbers its championship in Roman numerals (with the one-off exception of Super Bowl 50).
Convert another number
5 is written V in Roman numerals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write 5 in Roman numerals?
Write 5 as V, combining V. Start from the largest value that fits and work down until nothing is left over.
Is V the 5 you see on a clock?
Yes. 5 o'clock is written V on Roman-numeral clock and watch faces, with the one quirk that many dials print four as IIII rather than IV out of tradition.
Which Super Bowl is V?
Super Bowl V is the 5th Super Bowl, played in 1971. The NFL sets its championship number in Roman numerals, which is why so many people look up values like V.
How is V broken down?
V breaks down as V (5), so V = 5 = 5.