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Roman numerals for curious children

Decode Roman numerals and compare them with place-value numbers.

Quick answer

Roman numerals are an old way of writing numbers using letters like I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. You can use them to count, tell time, and read dates on buildings and clocks.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to read and write Roman numerals from 1 to 100, and understand how they are different from the numbers you use every day. Success signs:
  • You can write the numbers 1 to 20 in Roman numerals
  • You can tell the time using Roman numerals on a clock face
  • You can read dates written in Roman numerals
  • You can compare Roman numerals with the numbers you know

Why this matters

Roman numerals are not just history – they are still used today in many places! You might see them on clocks, in movie credits, on monuments, or in books. Learning them helps you understand how numbers were written before our modern system. It also gives you a fun way to explore how people thought about numbers long ago.

How it works

Roman numerals use letters to show numbers:
  • I = 1
  • V = 5
  • X = 10
  • L = 50
  • C = 100
  • D = 500
  • M = 1,000
To write a number, you add the values of the letters together. But sometimes, a smaller letter comes before a bigger one – this means you subtract. For example:
  • IV = 4 (because 5 - 1 = 4)
  • IX = 9 (because 10 - 1 = 9)

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how numbers are written in Roman numerals:
Number Roman Numeral How it works
1 I One I
2 II Two I's
3 III Three I's
4 IV Five minus>
5 V One V
6 VI Five plus>
9 IX Ten minus>
10 X One X
11 XI Ten plus>
15 XV Ten plus five = 15
20 XX Two X's = 20
40 XL Fifty minus ten = 40
50 L One L
90 XC One hundred minus ten = 90
100 C One C
You can also write bigger numbers like 1994:
  • 1000 = M
  • 900 = CM (1000 - 100)
  • 90 = XC (100 - 10)
  • 4 = IV (5 - 1)
So 1994 = MCMXCIV.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Roman Emperor’s Treasure Hunt You are a young explorer who has found a map hidden in an ancient Roman ruin. The map shows a treasure chest, and the clue says: “The treasure is buried where the year 1994 is written in Roman numerals.” You need to find the Roman numeral for 1994. Let’s solve it together: 1st step: Think about 1000 = M 2nd step: Think about 900 = CM (1000 - 100) 3rd step: Think about 90 = XC (100 - 10) 4th step: Think about 4 = IV (5 - 1) 5th step: Put them all together = MCMXCIV Great job! You’ve solved the clue and found the treasure.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Writing IV as V - I Why it happens: Confusing the order of letters. Fix: Remember that when a smaller letter comes before a bigger one, you subtract.
  • Mistake: Writing 4 as IIII instead of IV Why it happens: Not knowing that IV means 5 minus 1. Fix: Practice with simple examples like 4 = IV, 9 = IX, 40 = XL.
  • Mistake: Adding letters without thinking about subtraction Why it happens: Not understanding that some Roman numerals use subtraction. Fix: Use a chart or a memory trick: I before V or X = subtract one. X before L or C = subtract ten.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practising Roman numerals with your child every day for 5–10 minutes
  • Using a chart or flashcards to help with memorisation
  • Looking for Roman numerals in real life, like on clocks, books, or monuments
  • Playing a game: "Can you find a Roman numeral today?"
  • Encouraging your child to write their age or the year in Roman numerals
What not to worry about:
  • It’s normal for children to get confused at first
  • Roman numerals are not expected in school until Year 4 or 5
  • Focus on the fun and history, not speed or perfection

Practice questions

  1. What is 6 in Roman numerals?
  2. What is 14 in Roman numerals?
  3. What is 27 in Roman numerals?
  4. What is 49 in Roman numerals?
  5. What is 99 in Roman numerals?
  6. What is 100 in Roman numerals?
  7. What is 500 in Roman numerals?
  8. What is 1000 in Roman numerals?
Answers:
  1. VI
  2. XIV
  3. XXVII
  4. XLIX
  5. XCIX
  6. C
  7. D
  8. M

FAQ

What are Roman numerals?

Roman numerals are a way of writing numbers using letters like I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They were used by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago.

Why do we still use Roman numerals today?

We still use them in clocks, books, movies, and on monuments because they look elegant and are part of history. They are also used to show the order of things, like the Super Bowl or the year of a movie.

How do you write 2023 in Roman numerals?

2023 = MMXXIII. That’s 2000 (MM) + 20 (XX) + 3 (III).

Can you make any number with Roman numerals?

Yes, but some numbers are harder to write. For example, 4 is IV, not IIII. And very large numbers use more letters or bars over letters.

Are Roman numerals harder than our numbers?

They are different, not necessarily harder! They use a system of letters instead of digits, which can be fun to learn and understand.