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Last updated on September 27, 2025

Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

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Roman Numerals are the symbols from the 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 1 to 20000 for US Students
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Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

Roman Numerals use symbols to represent number systems. Ancient Romans used the letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent the number system. The unavailability of zero at that time and the lack of other mathematical operations made the Roman Numerals obsolete in recent times. For example, we write 1500 as MD.

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Roman Numbers 1 to 20000 Chart

Roman numbers are used today in clocks, chapters in books, classrooms, etc. The following chart helps us to understand the numerals better.

 

List of Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

The list of Roman Numerals provides an organized way to understand how those letters combine to represent a number. The given list starts from I (1) to MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM (20000). Learning these numerals helps you in a deeper understanding of the numerical system.

 

Roman Numerals from 1 to 100

 

Roman Numerals from 101 to 500

 

Roman Numerals from 501 to 1000

 

Roman Numerals from 1001 to 5000

 

Roman Numerals from 5001 to 10000

 

Roman Numerals from 10001 to 15000

 

Roman Numerals from 15001 to 20000

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How to Write Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

Roman Numerals rely on specific symbols, and it has 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 the Roman Numerals for the numbers easily. There are two basic methods of writing Roman Numerals, they are:

  • Expansion Method
  • Grouping Method



Expansion Method

Through the expansion method, we break down the numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones parts and then convert them into numerals.

Step 1: Break the numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones parts.

Step 2: Write Roman Numerals for each part.

Step 3: Combine all the parts to get the numerals.

 

Example: For the number 1989.

Step 1: Break the numbers 1000 + 900 + 80 + 9 = 1989

Step 2: Add Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral of 1000 is M. The Roman Numeral of 900 is CM. The Roman Numeral of 80 is LXXX. The Roman Numeral of 9 is IX.

Step 3: Combine all the parts 1000 (M) + 900 (CM) + 80 (LXXX) + 9 (IX) = MCMLXXXIX. Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 1989 is MCMLXXXIX.

 

Grouping Method

Grouping method directly from the number by combining Roman Numeral symbols directly. It uses addition and subtraction rules.

 

Step 1: Start writing numerals for the largest number.

Step 2: Smaller numbers are either getting added or subtracted. Following the rule of adding and subtraction is mandatory.

  • Addition: smaller numeral after the larger numeral.
  • Subtraction: smaller numeral before the large numeral.



Example: For the number 124.

Step 1: Start with the larger numbers. While splitting, we will get 100, 20, and 4 The Roman Numeral of 100 is C

Step 2: Add or subtract the smaller numbers If we add 20 to 100, it will become 120. The Roman Numeral of 20 is XX. And if we add 4 to 120, it will become 124. The Roman Numeral of 4 is IV.


Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 124 is CXXIV.

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Rules for Writing Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

Roman Numerals follow rules to make sure the number is written correctly. Here are some main rules given below:
 

  • Rule 1: Addition Method
  • Rule 2: Repetition Method
  • Rule 3: Subtraction Method
  • Rule 4: Limitation Rule


Rule 1: Addition Method

In Roman Numerals, if the smaller numeral comes after the large numeral, then we need to add their values.

Example: If the given number is XVI. We can see that the number X refers to 10 and the other number refers to 6.

So in this, the smaller numeral is after the large numeral, so we need to add the 10 and 6 to get the value 16.

 

Rule 2: Repetition Method

The Roman Numeral can be repeated up to three times to increase its value. The numbers cannot be repeated after three times. Only symbols like I, X, C, and M can be repeated, while V, L, and D cannot be repeated.

Example: XXX = 10 + 10 + 10 = 30 repeating the numeral X for the fourth time is not allowed.

 

Rule 3: Subtraction Method

If the smaller numeral comes before the large numeral, then we need to subtract the smaller numeral from the larger numeral to get the number. There are three rules in subtraction, they 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 XL.

Here, L is the biggest numeral and X is the smallest numeral. As we see that the smaller numeral is before the larger numeral, we need to subtract to get the number. L (50) - X (10) = XL (40).

 

Rule 4: Limitation Rule

Roman Numerals consist of several limitations, they are: 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 the non-pair numbers. For example, XI here X (10) - I(1) gives IX is applicable but IC, C (100) - I(1) is not applicable.

Only one subtraction can be allowed in one numeral. For example, XL (40), L (50) - X (10) is applicable to get 40 but XXL is not applicable to get the number 30.

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Tips and Tricks in Number Names 1 to 20000

Roman Numerals are fun to learn and easy to write when you know the following tips and tricks:

 

  • Memorize the basic symbols like I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000), to write and read the other numerals easily.
     
  • Always break the big numerals into smaller parts to make it easier to read and write.
     
  • Remember the repetition rule, a number should not be added more than three times.
     
  • Practice the smaller numerals and gradually move to the bigger values.
     
  • We use numerals in clocks, classrooms, etc., and try to read from the numeral clock to make numerals easy to learn.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

It is easy to make mistakes while learning Roman Numerals, but using the following mistakes and the ways to avoid them can help you to avoid those mistakes.

Mistake 1

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Repeating numerals more than three times

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Writing numerals more than three times results in mistakes. Children will add it more than three times.

 

For example, writing IV like IIII by mistake.

Mistake 2

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Confusing addition and subtraction rule

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Kids might get confused with addition and subtraction rules. Instead of adding the number, they might end up subtracting and vice versa. Always remember that a smaller numeral before a larger numeral is subtracted, and a smaller numeral after a larger numeral is added.

 

For example, instead of writing IX (9) some children might add the smaller numeral and write it as XI (11).

Mistake 3

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Incorrect expansion of numbers

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Breaking the numerals incorrectly will lead to mistakes. Double-check the numerals with the numbers to make sure it is split correctly.

 

For example, for expanding 127 instead of writing it as 100 + 20 + 7, they may write it as 100 + 10 + 10 + 7 which gives incorrect numerals. CXXVII instead of CXXVII (incorrect example).

Mistake 4

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Forgetting the Value of Each Symbol

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At times, the values of the given symbols can be confusing.

 

For example, L is 50, but if L is confused as 100, then the whole answer becomes different.

Mistake 5

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Improper Order of Writing the Symbols

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We will have to write the symbols in the correct order. This will lead to wrong answers.

 

For example, when writing MCMXLIV as MCMLXIV, like instead of writing thousands in the hundreds place and vice versa, children make these mistakes.

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Roman Numerals 1 to 20000 Examples

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Problem 1

Write the Roman Numerals for 3499 using the breakdown method.

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The Roman Numeral of 3499 is MMMCDXCIX.

Explanation

Step 1: Break the numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. 3499 = 3000 + 400 + 90 + 9

Step 2: Add numerals to each part.

  • The Roman Numeral of 3000 is MMM.
  • The Roman Numeral of 400 is CD.
  • The Roman Numeral of 90 is XC.
  • The Roman Numeral of 9 is IX.


Step 3: Combine the parts 3000 (MMM) + 400 (CD) + 90 (XC) + 9 (IX) = MMMCDXCIX (3499).

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Problem 2

Add MM + D.

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MMD

Explanation

Adding MM (2000) and D (500) = MMD (2500).

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Problem 3

Subtract M - DC.

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CD

Explanation

M = 1000

DC = 600

1000 - 600 = 400 = CD.

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Problem 4

Write the Roman Numeral of 5000.

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Explanation

The Roman Numeral of 5000 is V̅.

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Problem 5

Add 15000 + 1025 and write the answer in Roman Numeral.

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(XV)MXXV.

Explanation

15000 + 1025 = 16025

(XV)M + XXV = (XV)MXXV.

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FAQs on Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

1.What is 20000 in Roman Numerals?

The Roman Numeral of 20000 is (XX).

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2.Write the Roman Numerals from 1 to 10.

I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X, are the numerals from 1 to 10.

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3.What number is L?

In Roman Numeral, L denotes 50.

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4.What is the number C?

In Roman Numerals, C represents 100.

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5.Write 9999 in Roman Numerals.

(MX)CMXCIX is the Roman Numeral of 9999.

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Important Glossaries for Roman Numerals 1 to 20000

  • Breaking Numbers: It is the process of splitting a larger number into smaller parts. For example, For multiplying 1525 we can divide it as 1500 + 25.
     
  • Repetition: Using the same symbols more than once. For example, MMMM.
     
  • Numerical System: The numbers, used in ancient Rome, used Latin letters rather than digits. For example, I, II, III, etc.
     
  • Grouping Method: Combining Roman Numeral symbols directly based on addition and subtraction rules. For example, CXXIV for 124.
     
  • Expansion Method: Breaking numbers into parts and converting each part into Roman Numerals to form the whole. For example, breaking 1989 as 1000 + 900 + 80 + 9 to form MCMLXXXIX.
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

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.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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