How to write 120 in Roman numerals
Roman numerals are built place by place, from the largest value to the smallest. For 120 the places are 100 (hundreds), 20 (tens).
- Write 100 as
C. - Write 20 as
XX.
Joined together, C + XX gives CXX.
120 digit by digit
| Place | Value | Numeral | Rule used |
|---|---|---|---|
| hundreds | 100 | C | one symbol |
| tens | 20 | XX | the symbol repeated twice |
Check CXX by reading it back
Reading CXX from left to right and adding the pieces: C = 100, XX = 20. Together that is 100 + 20 = 120, so CXX and 120 match.
Mistakes to avoid with CXX
- Never repeat a symbol more than three times in a row. When a fourth would be needed, the subtractive form takes over.
- Only I, X and C may be placed before a larger symbol to subtract, so CXX never contains forms such as VX or LC.
- Read CXX as one number, not letter by letter: add the values left to right, except where a smaller symbol sits before a larger one.
Facts about the number 120
- 120 is an even number and composite, with prime factors 23 x 3 x 5.
- In binary 120 is
1111000and in hexadecimal it is78. - Written out, 120 is "one hundred twenty".
- The digits of 120 add up to 3, so it is divisible by 3.
Where you will see 120 in Roman numerals
The number 120, expressed as CXX, might identify a specific rule in a vast regulatory framework. Agencies format rule numbers with Roman numerals so inspectors can quickly locate them without confusing the rule identifier with numerical limits.
Numbers near 120
| Number | Roman numeral |
|---|---|
| 118 | CXVIII |
| 119 | CXIX |
| 120 | CXX |
| 121 | CXXI |
| 122 | CXXII |
FAQ
What is 120 in Roman numerals?
120 is written CXX in Roman numerals. It is built from C (100), XX (20).
How do you write 120 in lowercase Roman numerals?
Lowercase Roman numerals use the same rules, so 120 is cxx. Lowercase is common for page numbers in a book's preface and for outline levels.
How do I convert any number to Roman numerals?
Split the number into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones, write each part with the symbols I, V, X, L, C, D and M, then join them from largest to smallest. Or paste it into the Roman numeral converter, which also converts back.
More roman numerals
- 119 (CXIX): previous page
- 123 (CXXIII): next page
- Roman numerals chart: the full list