The seven main symbols and their equivalents are:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1,000
For even higher numbers, an overline (¯) is drawn above the main symbols to indicate multiples of 1000. (note: some phones are unable to display these special characters and they may look identical to the earlier set.)
V = 5,000
X = 10,000
L = 50,000
C = 100,000
D = 500,000
M = 1,000,000
Some basic rules:
-Roman numerals read from left to right, larger values to the left and work to the smaller values on the right.
-If a lesser symbol is before a greater symbol, the lesser is subtracted from the greater. For example, IV=4
-If a lesser symbol is after a greater symbol, the two values are added. For example, VI=6
-I and V can only modify up to an X. For example, 49 is not written IL, rather you first resolve 40 as XL and then resolve 9 as IX. Put them together and 49 = XLIX.
-X and L can only modify up to a C. For example, 490 is not written XD. First you resolve 400 as CD and then you resolve 90 as XC. Put them together and 490 = CDXC.
-C and D can only modify up to an M. For example, 950 is not written LM, rather you first resolve 900 as CM and then add L for 50. So 950 = CML.