Read Like a Roman: Roman Numerals to 100

About This Resource

A free Grade 3 math worksheet on Roman numerals from 1 to 100: the symbols I, V, X, L and C, adding symbols when a smaller one comes after a bigger one (VI = 6), subtracting when it comes before (IV = 4, XC = 90), never using the same symbol more than three times in a row, converting both ways and spotting Roman numerals on clocks and in books. Includes a timed lesson plan, a six-activity worksheet, an editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Students learn how the ancient Romans wrote numbers using letters. They meet the five symbols needed to 100 (I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100) and two simple rules: when a symbol of the same or smaller value comes after another, add it (XII = 12); when a smaller symbol comes before a bigger one, subtract it (IX = 9, XL = 40). They practice reading and writing numbers to 100, correct common mistakes such as IIII for 4, and find Roman numerals on clock faces, chapter headings and lists.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Roman Numerals to 100
Category: Number Sense
File Type: PDF
File Size: 253.9 KB
Published: 08 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 3 (ages 8–9) 45 minutes Number sense place value pattern spotting converting between number systems

Student Task

Show a clock face with Roman numerals. Ask: "What do you think these letters mean?"
Teach the five symbols and the adding and subtracting rules, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Students complete activities 3 to 6. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Matchstick numerals: students build Roman numerals with craft sticks and challenge a partner to read them.
Roman number line: label a number line from 1 to 20 in Roman numerals and look for patterns.
Numeral hunt: find Roman numerals on clocks, in book chapters or on old buildings and photograph or sketch them.

Differentiation

Support: give a symbol chart and a table of 1 to 10 (I to X) to refer to, and work with numbers to 20. Challenge: extend to D (500) and M (1,000) and write the current year in Roman numerals.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 5 check symbol values, reading and writing numerals and the rules (answer key included). Activity 6 checks explaining the rules in words.

Learning Objectives

Know the values of I, V, X, L and C.
Read and write Roman numerals to 100 using the adding and subtracting rules.
Recognize Roman numerals in everyday places such as clocks and book chapters.

Teacher Tips

Teach students to split a number into tens and ones before writing it: 48 = 40 + 8 = XL + VIII = XLVIII. This avoids common mistakes such as IIL for 48.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (6 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)