Roman numeral symbols
Roman numerals use just seven letters, each with a fixed value. Learn what a single symbol means, where it comes from and the rules for combining it. Tap any symbol below for its own page.
The seven symbols at a glance
| Symbol | Value | Name |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | one |
| V | 5 | five |
| X | 10 | ten |
| L | 50 | fifty |
| C | 100 | one hundred |
| D | 500 | five hundred |
| M | 1,000 | one thousand |
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven Roman numeral symbols?
They are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500) and M (1000). Every Roman numeral from 1 to 3999 is built from these seven letters.
Which Roman numeral symbols can be subtracted?
Only I, X and C are ever placed before a larger symbol to subtract. V, L and D are always added, never subtracted.
Which symbols can repeat?
I, X, C and M can repeat up to three times in a row. V, L and D are never repeated, because the next value up already has its own symbol.