46 in Roman Numerals

How to write 46 in Roman numerals

Roman numerals are built place by place, from the largest value to the smallest. For 46 the places are 40 (tens), 6 (ones).

1. Write 40 as XL.
2. Write 6 as VI.

Joined together, XL + VI gives XLVI.

46 digit by digit

Check XLVI by reading it back

Reading XLVI from left to right and adding the pieces: XL = 40, VI = 6. Together that is 40 + 6 = 46, so XLVI and 46 match.

Mistakes to avoid with XLVI

• Do not write the 4s and 9s additively. 46 uses subtractive pairs (XL for 40), not strings like IIII or VIIII.
• 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 XLVI never contains forms such as VX or LC.
• Read XLVI 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 46

• 46 is an even number and composite, with prime factors 2 x 23.
• In binary 46 is 101110 and in hexadecimal it is 2E.
• Written out, 46 is "forty-six".
• The digits of 46 add up to 10.

Where you will see 46 in Roman numerals

The numeral XLVI stands for 46 in the front matter of thick reference books like encyclopedias. Editors assign Roman numerals to prefaces and tables of contents so the primary pagination can begin cleanly at page one.

Numbers near 46

More roman numerals

• 45 (XLV): previous page
• 47 (XLVII): next page
• Roman numerals chart: the full list