4 in Roman numerals

4 = IV

Working: IV = 4

The number 4 is written as IV in Roman numerals.

Roman numerals are built by adding symbol values together from largest to smallest: IV = 4. 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, IV is 2 symbols long. It uses the subtractive pair and IV, which must be read as a unit rather than symbol by symbol. No symbol repeats.

IV is the first subtractive numeral, and the most argued-about. Clock faces are the famous exception: a great many traditional clocks use IIII rather than IV for four o'clock, partly for visual balance against the VIII opposite it. Both forms are correct; IV is the standard one.

Nearby numbers

Number	Roman numeral
1	I
2	II
3	III
5	V
6	VI
7	VII
8	VIII
9	IX

Try another value

Decimal number (1–3999)

Roman numeral

MMXXIV

Reference

X10

L50

C100

D500

M1000

Frequently asked questions

How do you write 4 in Roman numerals?

4 is written IV. It breaks down as IV = 4.

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.