4 = IV
4 in Roman numerals is IV.
Four written with the letters I V.
4 in words: Four
Four in Roman numerals is IV. It is short enough to write from memory once you know the pattern, and it turns up constantly on watch dials, book chapters and film sequels.
Notice the subtractive pair in IV: a smaller symbol sits before a larger one to save writing four identical letters in a row. This is the single rule that trips most people up, and once it clicks the rest of the system is straightforward.
How 4 breaks down
Reading IV from left to right, each group is added together to reach 4:
| Group | Value | Place |
|---|---|---|
| IV | 4 | ones |
| IV | 4 | total |
Frequently asked questions
What is 4 in Roman numerals?
4 in Roman numerals is IV.
How do you write 4 in words?
4 is written "Four" in English.
What number comes before IV?
The number before IV is 3, written III in Roman numerals.
What number comes after IV?
The number after IV is 5, written V in Roman numerals.
Related numbers
Last updated July 22, 2026. Reviewed for accuracy against the standard rules for Roman numerals.