38 in Roman numerals at a glance
- Roman numeral
- XXXVIII
- Lowercase
- xxxviii
- Letters
- 7
- Parts
- X · X · X · V · I · I · I
- Subtractive pairs
- None
- In words
- thirty-eight
- Latin name
- duodequadraginta
How XXXVIII is built
Roman numerals are written one decimal place at a time, from the largest place to the smallest. Converting each digit of 38 separately and joining the pieces gives XXXVIII:
| Place | Digit | Value | Numeral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tens | 3 | 30 | XXX |
| Ones | 8 | 8 | VIII |
Reading it back, left to right:
- X = 10 → running total 10
- X = 10 → running total 20
- X = 10 → running total 30
- V = 5 → running total 35
- I = 1 → running total 36
- I = 1 → running total 37
- I = 1 → running total 38
The rules XXXVIII follows
- Largest to smallest. XXXVIII uses the symbols X, V and I (7 characters in all), and the values never increase from left to right except inside a subtractive pair.
- No subtraction needed. None of the digits of 38 is a 4 or a 9, so XXXVIII is purely additive: just add the symbol values.
- Repetition. XXX repeats X three times and III repeats I three times. I, X, C and M may repeat up to three times in a row; V, L and D never repeat.
Where you will see XXXVIII
- Championship games. Pro football numbers its championship game with Roman numerals, starting from game I in January 1967. Game XXXVIII was played in early 2004.
- Volumes and sequels. Book volumes, conference editions, film sequels and anniversary events often carry a Roman numeral; edition XXXVIII would be the 38th.
Latin itself counted backwards here: duodequadraginta means “two from forty,” the same subtractive idea that Roman numerals use in pairs such as IX and XC — although the numeral for 38 is written XXXVIII, not by subtracting from 40.
Numbers near 38 in Roman numerals
Frequently asked questions
How do you write 38 in Roman numerals?
38 is written XXXVIII. Break it into X (10), X (10), X (10), V (5), I (1), I (1), I (1) and add the parts: 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 38.
What is 38 in Latin?
The Latin cardinal number 38 is “duodequadraginta.” The Romans wrote it as XXXVIII.
What is XXXVIII plus one?
XXXVIII + I = XXXIX (39). Adding one can change the whole ending of a numeral, which is why it helps to convert to digits, add, and convert back.