Roman Numerals: Game, Chart & Easy Rules
Roman numerals use seven letters: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1,000. You add letters together (VI = 6), but a smaller letter before a bigger one is taken away (IV = 4).
🏛️ Play the Roman numerals game
Tricks that make it easier
- Read from left to right and add: XVI = 10 + 5 + 1 = 16.
- A smaller letter before a bigger one means take away: IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90.
- Never use the same letter more than three times in a row: 4 is IV, not IIII.
- Write big numbers part by part: 2024 = MM (2000) + XX (20) + IV (4) = MMXXIV.
Common mistakes
- Writing IIII for 4 or VV for 10.
- Taking away the wrong letters (IC for 99 is wrong; it is XCIX).
- Forgetting that L, C, D and M stand for 50, 100, 500 and 1,000.
A five-day practice plan
| Day | What to do (10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Play Roman Numerals on this skill for 5–10 minutes. Read the explanation after every mistake. |
| Day 2 | Learn one trick from this page and use it out loud while you play. |
| Day 3 | Print the worksheet and try it without help. Mark it with the answer key together. |
| Day 4 | Play again and try to beat your personal best score or get three stars. |
| Day 5 | Mix it up: try the ⏱️ Timed test, or ask your child to explain the skill to you in their own words. |
Suits Grade 3 and Grade 4 and Grade 5.
Frequently asked questions
What is 4 in Roman numerals?
IV: one before five means 5 − 1 = 4.
What is 2026 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
Why are Roman numerals still used?
You see them on clock faces, in book chapters, for monarchs and popes (Charles III), and in film and sports event titles.