2,000 in Roman numerals
2,000 is written MM. In chunks: M (1,000) + M (1,000) = 2,000.
The answer
MM
2,000 in Roman numerals is MM.
How MM is built
There is no single letter for 2,000, so write M, which is 1,000, twice: M + M = MM. Two of the same letter side by side are added.
| Letter | Worth | Met in |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | Year 3 |
| V | 5 | Year 3 |
| X | 10 | Year 3 |
| L | 50 | Year 4 |
| C | 100 | Year 4 |
| D | 500 | Year 5 |
| M | 1,000 | Year 5 |
The mistake to watch for
Miscounting the letters in MM
MM is two M's, added together. One letter more or fewer makes a different number: M is 1,000 and MMM is 3,000.
Reading years in Roman numerals
Year 5 children also learn to recognise years written in Roman numerals, on foundation stones, old buildings and film credits. Split the year into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones, and write each part.
1066, the year of the Battle of Hastings, is M (1,000) + LXVI (66) = MLXVI. There are no hundreds, and with no zero there is nothing to write for them.
Up to 100, the Roman numerals chart has every number, and the converter there checks each step.
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 2,000 in Roman numerals?
2,000 is MM.
What comes before and after MM?
1,999 is MCMXCIX and 2,001 is MMI. M stays at the front, and CMXCIX becomes M: MCMXCIX becomes MM.
Does MM use subtraction?
No. Every letter in MM is the same size as, or smaller than, the letter before it, so you just add them all.
What is the biggest letter in MM?
M, which is 1,000. MM has 2 letters.
Where might you see MM?
At the start of every year from 2000 to 2999 written in Roman numerals, on film credits and foundation stones: 2012 is MMXII.
When do children learn MM?
In Year 5. The national curriculum asks Year 5 children to read Roman numerals to 1,000 (M) and to recognise years written in Roman numerals. Year 4 stops at 100 (C).
Careful reading is an 11+ skill
Reading both letters of MM in order is the careful checking 11+ papers reward. The free diagnostic covers all four subjects, with no card needed.