72 in Roman numerals at a glance
- Roman numeral
- LXXII
- Lowercase
- lxxii
- Letters
- 5
- Parts
- L · X · X · I · I
- Subtractive pairs
- None
- In words
- seventy-two
- Latin name
- septuaginta duo
How LXXII is built
Roman numerals are written one decimal place at a time, from the largest place to the smallest. Converting each digit of 72 separately and joining the pieces gives LXXII:
| Place | Digit | Value | Numeral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tens | 7 | 70 | LXX |
| Ones | 2 | 2 | II |
Reading it back, left to right:
- L = 50 → running total 50
- X = 10 → running total 60
- X = 10 → running total 70
- I = 1 → running total 71
- I = 1 → running total 72
The rules LXXII follows
- Largest to smallest. LXXII uses the symbols L, X and I (5 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 72 is a 4 or a 9, so LXXII is purely additive: just add the symbol values.
- Repetition. XX repeats X two times and II repeats I two 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 LXXII
- Championship games. Pro football numbers its championship game with Roman numerals, starting from game I in January 1967. Game LXXII falls in early 2038.
- Volumes and sequels. Book volumes, conference editions, film sequels and anniversary events often carry a Roman numeral; edition LXXII would be the 72nd.
Numbers near 72 in Roman numerals
Frequently asked questions
How do you write 72 in Roman numerals?
72 is written LXXII. Break it into L (50), X (10), X (10), I (1), I (1) and add the parts: 50 + 10 + 10 + 1 + 1 = 72.
What is 72 in Latin?
The Latin cardinal number 72 is “septuaginta duo.” The Romans wrote it as LXXII.
What is LXXII plus one?
LXXII + I = LXXIII (73). Adding one can change the whole ending of a numeral, which is why it helps to convert to digits, add, and convert back.