Accuracy Project

Roman numerals are better known today than any other ancient system of numeration. Originating in ancient Rome, the system they developed remained a primary system of numeration for many centuries, and after a slight modification in the Middle Ages, continues to see some specialized use today. The primary distinction between the Roman and Arabic numerals we use today, is that Romans didn't have a symbol to signify zero, and that numeral placement within a number can sometimes indicate subtraction (IX) rather than addition (XI).

Roman numerals are most commonly used today in the numbering of movie sequels (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, The Godfather: Part II); the numbering of some sporting events, such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowls; the order of rulers, popes or ships who share the same name (Pope John Paul II, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II); volumes or chapters in a book, publishing industry copyright dates, production dates seen at the end of motion picture credits, some historic events (World War I, World War II), and clocks with Roman numeral clockfaces.

Roman numerals are usually written in upper-case letters (I, II, III, X, and XXV). Occasionally Roman numerals are written using lower-case letters (i, ii, iii, x, and xxv), particularly when numbering paragraphs or sections within chapters, or for the pagination of the front matter of some books.

I or i = 1 (one)
V or v = 5 (five)
X or x = 10 (ten)
L or l = 50 (fifty)
C or c = 100 (one hundred) (centum)
D or d = 500 (five hundred)
M or m = 1,000 (one thousand) (mille)

When two or more of the above symbols are combined, the result can be:
II or ii = 2 (two)
III or iii = 3 (three)
IV or iv = 4 (four) (sometimes written IIII on Roman numeral clocks or iiii)
VI or vi = 6 (six)
VII or vii = 7 (seven)
VIII or viii = 8 (eight)
IX or ix = 9 (nine)

Remember that numeral placement within a number sometimes indicates subtraction rather than addition. So, if you place a smaller Roman numeral in front of a larger one, you are indicating subtraction. Placing X in front of C indicates subtraction of ten (X) from 100 (C). Thus, XC equals ninety (90).

Other examples:
IX = 9 (nine)
XIX = 19 (nineteen)
XL = 40 (forty)
CD = 400 (four hundred)
CM = 900 (nine hundred)
MCM = 1900 (nineteen hundred)

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