8 in Roman numerals

VIII

8 = VIII

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

The number 8 is written as VIII in Roman numerals.

Roman numerals are built by adding symbol values together from largest to smallest: V = 5, I = 1, I = 1, 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, VIII is 4 symbols long. It is entirely additive: every symbol adds to the running total, with no smaller symbol standing before a larger one. One symbol repeats three times, which is the maximum the system allows before a subtractive form becomes necessary.

VIII is four symbols long, the longest numeral below ten. On a clock face it sits opposite IIII where that variant is used, and the two long numerals balancing each other is one of the traditional arguments for using IIII rather than IV.

Nearby numbers

Number	Roman numeral
4	IV
5	V
6	VI
7	VII
9	IX
10	X
11	XI
12	XII

Try another value

Decimal number (1–3999)

Roman numeral

MMXXIV

Reference

X10

L50

C100

D500

M1000

Frequently asked questions

How do you write 8 in Roman numerals?

8 is written VIII. It breaks down as V = 5, I = 1, I = 1, 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.