5 = V
5 in Roman numerals is V.
Five written with the letters V.
5 in words: Five
5 in Roman numerals is V, one of the seven core symbols. There is nothing to add or subtract here: the single letter V carries the value 5 by itself, which is why it is one of the few numerals worth learning by heart rather than working out.
Because V is a base symbol, it appears inside a huge number of larger numerals. Knowing it on sight makes reading dates, chapter numbers and clock faces much faster.
How 5 breaks down
Reading V from left to right, each group is added together to reach 5:
| Group | Value | Place |
|---|---|---|
| V | 5 | ones |
| V | 5 | total |
Frequently asked questions
What is 5 in Roman numerals?
5 in Roman numerals is V.
How do you write 5 in words?
5 is written "Five" in English.
What number comes before V?
The number before V is 4, written IV in Roman numerals.
What number comes after V?
The number after V is 6, written VI in Roman numerals.
Related numbers
Last updated July 22, 2026. Reviewed for accuracy against the standard rules for Roman numerals.