XX in numbers
XX = 20.
Twenty written as a Roman numeral.
20 in words: Twenty
XX is 20, "twenty". It is built from a single group, XX (20). Every symbol here is added in sequence, with no subtraction involved.
Put plainly, the numeral XX in numbers is 20 ("Twenty"). Type it into the converter above and it reads straight back, which is the fastest way to check a numeral you have found on a clock face, a cornerstone, a film credit or a tattoo before you trust it.
How to read XX
Roman numerals are read left to right, largest value first, adding as you go. Scanning XX one group at a time gives a running total that lands on 20:
| Read | Worth | Running total |
|---|---|---|
| XX | 20 | 20 |
There is no subtraction anywhere in XX, so every letter simply adds to the total. Numerals like this are the easiest to read: no letter changes the meaning of the one next to it.
Where you will see XX
Counted in order, XX is the twentieth number. Read as a year, 20 falls in the 1st century AD. The next round anchor above it is C (100), a useful landmark when you are reading numerals this small.
Numerals up to a hundred like XX are the ones you meet most: clock hours, chapter numbers, sequels and anniversaries all live in this range, so learning to read XX on sight pays off more often than any larger numeral would.
- Centuries: Style guides write the 20th century as the XX century, using the numeral in place of the figure.
- Monarchs and popes: A monarch or pope who is the twentieth of their name takes XX after it, as in the regnal style "Name XX".
- Super Bowls: The NFL numbers its championship games in Roman numerals, which makes game 20 Super Bowl XX.
- Olympiads: The modern Olympic Games are counted as Olympiads in Roman numerals, so the twentieth is the XX Olympiad.
Frequently asked questions
What does XX mean in Roman numerals?
XX means 20 in Roman numerals, which is "twenty" in words.
What is XX in numbers?
XX in numbers is 20. Read the letters from the largest value down and add each group together.
Is XX a valid Roman numeral?
Yes. XX follows the standard rules and is the correct way to write 20.
Where is XX used?
Style guides write the 20th century as the XX century, using the numeral in place of the figure. A monarch or pope who is the twentieth of their name takes XX after it, as in the regnal style "Name XX".
What century does the year 20 fall in?
The year 20, written XX, falls in the 1st century AD.
Nearby numerals
Last updated July 22, 2026. Reviewed for accuracy against the standard rules for Roman numerals.