16 in Roman numerals

XVI

16 = XVI

Working: X = 10, V = 5, I = 1

The number 16 is written as XVI in Roman numerals.

Roman numerals are built by adding symbol values together from largest to smallest: X = 10, V = 5, I = 1. Where a smaller symbol appears before a larger one — as in IV for 4 or IX for 9 — it is subtracted rather than added, which keeps the notation short.

Structurally, XVI is 3 symbols long. It is entirely additive: every symbol adds to the running total, with no smaller symbol standing before a larger one. No symbol repeats.

XVI is ten plus five plus one, read strictly left to right in descending order of value. It is the standard example used to teach the additive rule, since no subtraction is involved anywhere in it.

Nearby numbers

Number	Roman numeral
10	X
11	XI
12	XII
14	XIV
15	XV
18	XVIII
19	XIX
20	XX

Try another value

Decimal number (1–3999)

Roman numeral

MMXXIV

Reference

X10

L50

C100

D500

M1000

Frequently asked questions

How do you write 16 in Roman numerals?

16 is written XVI. It breaks down as X = 10, V = 5, I = 1.

What are the seven Roman numeral symbols?

I is 1, V is 5, X is 10, L is 50, C is 100, D is 500, and M is 1,000. All Roman numerals are combinations of these seven symbols, and there is no symbol for zero.

For any other value, use the full Roman Numeral Converter on BrainVert.