Roman Numerals

Roman Numerals are a special kind of numerical notations that were earlier used by the Romans. It is an additive and subtractive system in which letters are used to denote certain base numbers and arbitrary numbers in the number system and denoted using a different combination of symbols.

Roman Numbers 1 to 100 Chart

Following is the list of Roman numbers from 1 to 100. There are certain rules to write the roman letters 1 to 100 and it is explained in detail.

After practising above list, you will be able to find the list of roman numbers 1 to 1000 as well.

Converting Roman Numerals to Numbers-

We can easily convert any numbers into a roman form and conversely, any roman form into any number. Let us understand with the help of an example, Consider a number, 1984

Convert number into the roman form

Break the number 1984 into 1000, 900, 80 and 4, then perform each conversion

As, 1000 + 900 + 80 + 4 = 1984

  • 1000 = M
  • 900 = CM
  • 80 = LXXX
  • 4 = IV

1000 + 900 + 80 + 4 = 1984,

So, 1984 = MCMLXXXIV

Rules for forming the Numbers

  • When a symbol appears after a greater symbol, it will be added. For Example-  VI = V + I = 5 + 1 = 6
  • When a symbol appears before a greater symbol, it will be subtracted. For Example-  IX = X – I = 10 – 1 = 9

Tips - Break the number into Thousands, Hundreds, Tens and Ones, and write down each in turn

Convert 1774 to Roman Numerals

Break 1774 into 1000, 700, 70, 4 and then do each conversion

1000 = M

700 = DCC

70 = LXX

4 = IV

1000+700+70+4 = 1774, so 1774 = MDCCLXXIV

Rules for Converting Numbers to Roman Numerals

The three primary rules for writing and reading Roman numerals:

1. A letter repeats its value that many times (XXX = 30, CC = 200, etc.). A letter can only be repeated three times.

2. If one or more letters are placed after another letter of greater value, add that amount.

VII = 7 (5 + 2 = 7)

LXXX = 80 (50 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 80)

MCCC = 1000 (100 + 100 + 100 = 1300)

3. If a letter is placed before another letter of greater value, subtract that amount.

CM = 900 (1000 – 100 = 900)

IX = 9 ( 10 – 1 = 9 )

XC = 90 (100 – 10 = 90)

Example for Subtractive Rule 

Write Instead of For the value of
IV IIII 4
IX VIIII 9
XL XXXX 40
XC LXXXX 90
CD CCCC 400
M DCCCC 900

Roman Numerals List

Below are some basic Roman numerals as:

1 5 10 50 100 500 1000
I V X L C D M
5000 10,000 50,000 100,000 500,000 1,000000
\(\bar{V}\) \(\bar{X}\) \(\bar{L}\) \(\bar{C}\) \(\bar{D}\) \(\bar{M}\)