40 in Roman Numerals
The number 40 is written XL in Roman numerals. Click the numeral below to copy it, or use the converter to try any other number.
XL uses 2 of the seven Roman numeral symbols and is 2 characters long.
Note the subtractive pair XL inside it: a smaller symbol placed before a larger one means subtract, which is why XL is 40 and not XXXX.
40 in Roman numerals
Also written in words as forty, and read aloud as X L.
Roman numeral converter
Convert a number into Roman numerals, or read a Roman numeral back into a number. Works for 1 to 3999, the range the seven standard symbols can express.
How 40 breaks down into Roman numerals
40 = 40, so XL = XL.
| Place value | Roman numeral | Why | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | XL | XL is the subtractive form for 40 |
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Numbers either side of 40
Related numbers
Browse the full charts: Roman numerals hub, 1 to 100, years 1900 to 2100.
How to write 40 in Roman numerals, step by step
Roman numerals are built from largest value to smallest. Split 40 into place values first: 40.
Now swap each part for its symbols: 40 becomes XL. Written together that is XL.
The pair XL must stay in that order. XL means "one before 50", so it is read as 40.
- 40 = XL (XL is the subtractive form for 40)
Is XL written correctly?
Yes. XL is the standard modern form of 40. A valid Roman numeral never repeats a symbol more than three times in a row, never repeats V, L or D at all, and only ever subtracts I, X or C, and only from the next two larger symbols.
Those rules are what keeps a number to a single accepted spelling, so a reader never has to guess.
How to type XL on a keyboard
Roman numerals are ordinary capital letters, so you can type XL directly: X, L. Nothing special is required and it will work in any font, any document and any web form.
Unicode also contains dedicated Roman numeral characters such as Ⅰ, Ⅴ, Ⅹ, Ⅼ, Ⅽ, Ⅾ and Ⅿ. They exist for typesetting East Asian text and they look almost identical, but search engines, spell checkers and screen readers handle the plain letters better, so the letters are usually the right choice.
Where you will see XL
Numbers of this size turn up as chapter and page numbers in front matter, as list levels in outlines, as monarch and pope regnal numbers, and in the names of recurring events such as Super Bowl finals.
If you are using XL in a document, keep it in capitals. Lowercase roman numerals (xl) are conventionally reserved for preliminary page numbering and sub-lists.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write 40 in Roman numerals?
40 is written XL. Break it into 40, then write XL, which joins up as XL.
What number is XL?
XL is 40, or forty in words.
Is there another way to write 40 in Roman numerals?
Not in standard use. XL is the accepted form because Roman numerals subtract rather than repeat a symbol four times.
How do I copy XL?
Click the large numeral at the top of this page. It copies straight to your clipboard, ready to paste anywhere.
Do Roman numerals have a zero?
No. The system has no symbol for zero and no way to write a negative number or a fraction of one, which is one reason it was replaced for arithmetic.