Roman Numerals Chart — Definition, Formula & Examples
A Roman Numerals Chart is a reference table that lists numbers alongside their Roman numeral equivalents, making it easy to read, write, and convert between the two systems. The chart is built from just seven symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M.
A Roman Numerals Chart organizes the correspondence between Hindu-Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, …) and their representations in the Roman numeral system, which uses the additive and subtractive combinations of the symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) to express values from 1 through 3999.
How It Works
Start by memorizing the seven base symbols and their values: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000. To read a Roman numeral, scan left to right. When a smaller-value symbol appears before a larger one, you subtract it (IV = 4). When symbols stay the same size or decrease, you add them (VII = 7). Use the chart below as a quick lookup whenever you need to convert a number.
**Key values 1–1000:**
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|--------|-------|--------|-------|--------|-------|
| 1 | I | 20 | XX | 200 | CC |
| 2 | II | 30 | XXX | 300 | CCC |
| 3 | III | 40 | XL | 400 | CD |
| 4 | IV | 50 | L | 500 | D |
| 5 | V | 60 | LX | 600 | DC |
| 6 | VI | 70 | LXX | 700 | DCC |
| 7 | VII | 80 | LXXX | 800 | DCCC |
| 8 | VIII | 90 | XC | 900 | CM |
| 9 | IX | 100 | C | 1000 | M |
| 10 | X | | | | |
Worked Example
Problem: Convert the number 276 into Roman numerals using the chart.
Step 1: Break 276 into hundreds, tens, and ones.
Step 2: Look up each part on the chart: 200 = CC, 70 = LXX, 6 = VI.
Step 3: Combine the pieces left to right.
Answer: 276 in Roman numerals is CCLXXVI.
Another Example
Problem: Convert the Roman numeral CDXLIX back into a regular number.
Step 1: Identify each group: CD, XL, IX.
Step 2: Use the chart to find their values: CD = 400, XL = 40, IX = 9.
Step 3: Add the values together.
Answer: CDXLIX = 449.
Visualization
Why It Matters
Roman numerals appear on clocks, building cornerstones, movie copyright dates, Super Bowl names, and book chapter headings. A chart is the fastest way to learn and double-check conversions, which is why it is commonly included in 3rd–5th grade math curricula. Knowing the chart by heart also helps in social studies when reading historical dates.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Writing four or more of the same symbol in a row, such as IIII for 4 or XXXX for 40.
Correction: Use the subtractive form instead: 4 = IV and 40 = XL. A symbol is never repeated more than three times consecutively.
Mistake: Subtracting across place values, like writing IC for 99.
Correction: Only subtract one step within a place: I can precede V or X, X can precede L or C, and C can precede D or M. Write 99 as XCIX (90 + 9).