Last updated on June 26th, 2025
Roman Numerals are symbols derived from Latin letters used by Romans for daily transactions and counting purposes. In this topic, we will learn how to write Roman Numerals and their uses.
Roman Numerals use symbols to represent number systems. Ancient Romans used the letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. The absence of zero at that time and the lack of other mathematical operations made Roman Numerals obsolete in modern times. For example, we write 500 as D.
Roman numbers are used today in clocks, chapters in books, classrooms, etc. The following chart helps us understand the numerals better.
List of Roman Numerals 100 to 1000
The list of Roman Numerals provides an organized way to understand how those letters combine to represent a number. The given list starts from C (100) to M (1000). Learning these numerals helps deepen your understanding of the numerical system.
Roman Numerals from 100 to 200
Roman Numerals from 201 to 300
Roman Numerals from 301 to 400
Roman Numerals from 401 to 500
Roman Numerals from 501 to 600
Roman Numerals from 601 to 700
Roman Numerals from 701 to 800
Roman Numerals from 801 to 900
Roman Numerals from 901 to 1000
Roman Numerals rely on specific symbols, and there are rules of addition and subtraction. The basic symbols in Roman Numerals are:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1000
Using the above symbols, we can combine Roman Numerals for numbers easily. There are two basic methods of writing Roman Numerals:
Through the expansion method, we break down numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones, then convert them into numerals.
Step 1: Break the numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones.
Step 2: Write Roman Numerals for each part.
Step 3: Combine all parts to get the numerals.
Example: For the number 999.
Step 1: Break the numbers 900 + 90 + 9 = 999
Step 2: Add Roman Numerals for each part
The Roman Numeral of 900 is CM.
The Roman Numeral of 90 is XC.
The Roman Numeral of 9 is IX.
Step 3: Combine all parts 900 (CM) + 90 (XC) + 9 (IX) = CMXCIX.
Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 999 is CMXCIX.
Grouping method combines Roman Numeral symbols directly using addition and subtraction rules.
Step 1: Start writing numerals for the largest number.
Step 2: Smaller numbers are either added or subtracted.
Following the rule of addition and subtraction is mandatory.
Addition: smaller numeral after the larger numeral.
Subtraction: smaller numeral before the large numeral.
Example: For the number 112.
Step 1: Start with the larger numbers.
While splitting, we will get 100 and 12.
The Roman Numeral of 100 is C.
Step 2: Add or subtract the smaller number. If we add 12 to 100, it becomes 112.
The Roman Numeral of 12 is XII.
Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 112 is CXII.
Roman Numerals follow rules to ensure numbers are written correctly. Here are some main rules:
In Roman Numerals, if the smaller numeral comes after the larger numeral, add their values.
Example: If the given number is CLXII, C refers to 100, L to 50, and XII to 12. So, the smaller numeral is after the larger numeral, so we add 100 + 50 + 12 to get 162.
Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times to increase value. The numbers cannot be repeated more than three times. Symbols like I, X, C, and M can be repeated, but V, L, and D cannot be.
Example: CCC = 100 + 100 + 100 = 300. Repeating C four times is not allowed.
If the smaller numeral comes before the larger numeral, subtract the smaller numeral from the larger numeral to get the number. Three rules in subtraction are: I can be subtracted from V and X. X can be subtracted from L and C. C can be subtracted from D and M.
Example: In the number CD. Here, D is the largest numeral, and C is the smallest numeral. Since the smaller numeral is before the larger numeral, subtract to get the number. D (500) - C (100) = CD (400).
Roman Numerals have several limitations: A numeral cannot be repeated more than three times. For example, III (3) cannot be repeated more than 3 times; instead, we use IV for writing 4. Subtraction cannot be done with non-pair numbers.
For example, XL here L (50) - X (10) gives XL, which is applicable, but IC, C (100) - I (1) is not applicable. Only one subtraction is allowed in one numeral.
For example, XC (90), C (100) - X (10) is applicable to get 90, but XXC is not applicable to get the number 80.
Roman Numerals are fun to learn and easy to write when you know the following tips and tricks:
It is easy to make mistakes while learning Roman Numerals, but using the following mistakes and ways to avoid them can help you avoid those errors.
Write the Roman Numerals for 384 using the breakdown method.
The Roman Numeral of 384 is CCCLXXXIV.
Step 1: Break the numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones. 384 = 300 + 80 + 4
Step 2: Add numerals to each part.
The Roman Numeral of 300 is CCC.
The Roman Numeral of 80 is LXXX.
The Roman Numeral of 4 is IV.
Step 3: Combine the parts 300 (CCC) + 80 (LXXX) + 4 (IV) = CCCLXXXIV (384).
Add CD + XL.
CDXL
Adding CD (400) and XL (40) = CDXL (440).
Subtract CM - D.
CD
CM = 900
D = 500
900 - 500 = 400 = CD.
Write the Roman Numeral of 1000.
M
The Roman Numeral of 1000 is M.
Add 600 + 75 and write the answer in Roman Numeral.
DCLXXV.
600 + 75 = 675
DC + LXXV = DCLXXV.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.