59 in Roman numerals
59 is written LIX. In chunks: L (50) + IX (9) = 59.
The answer
LIX
59 in Roman numerals is LIX.
How LIX is built
To write it, split 59 into 50 + 9. 50 is L, 9 is IX, so 59 is L then IX: LIX.
To read it, LIX has 2 chunks, and IX is a take-away pair, worked out first and then added.
| Chunk | Worth | Why |
|---|---|---|
| L | 50 | Add |
| IX | 9 | I before X: take away |
The mistake to watch for
Writing 59 as LVIIII
Wrong: LVIIII
LVIIII writes I four times in a row. Never more than three: 9 is IX, one before ten, which makes 59 LIX.
Check it with the converter
Type LVIIII to see why LVIIII is not 59. The rule numbers it gives are the three rules on the Roman numerals page.
Converter set to LIX (59).
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 59 in Roman numerals?
59 is LIX.
What comes before and after LIX?
58 is LVIII and 60 is LX.
Does LIX use subtraction?
Yes, once: I comes before the bigger X, so IX is 9. The other letters are added.
What is the biggest letter in LIX?
L, which is 50. LIX has 3 letters.
Careful reading is an 11+ skill
Reading all 3 letters of LIX in order is the careful checking 11+ papers reward. The free diagnostic covers all four subjects, with no card needed.