How Are Roman Numerals Used Today?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

Roman numerals are still used in modern times on some clocks and in books to note chapters and page numbers. While many clocks have converted to digital interfaces with more common Arabic numerals, high-quality watches and older timepieces, such as wall clocks in courthouses and other historic buildings, still use Roman numerals.

Roman numerals are commonly used in textbooks and other books for the pages preceding the first chapter as well as those in the appendices. Roman numerals are also used after names to show succession, such as with the pope and family names that are passed down through the generations.