Roman Numeral Converter
Convert any whole number from 1 to 3,999 into Roman numerals, or turn Roman numerals back into a number. The converter shows how each symbol adds up and flags invalid forms. Example: 2026 = MMXXVI (1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1), and XLIV = 44.
Show steps
How to use the Roman Numeral Converter
- Choose the direction: number to Roman numerals, or Roman numerals to a number.
- Type a whole number from 1 to 3,999, or type the Roman numerals using I, V, X, L, C, D and M.
- Press Calculate to see the answer and the symbol-by-symbol breakdown.
Formula and method
Symbols: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000.
Rules: symbols are added from largest to smallest (XVI = 10 + 5 + 1 = 16). A smaller symbol placed before a larger one is subtracted: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900. A symbol is never repeated more than three times in a row, and only I, X and C are used for subtraction.
Example: 1994 = M + CM + XC + IV = 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = MCMXCIV.
Roman numeral chart
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | 10 | X | 100 | C |
| 2 | II | 20 | XX | 200 | CC |
| 3 | III | 30 | XXX | 300 | CCC |
| 4 | IV | 40 | XL | 400 | CD |
| 5 | V | 50 | L | 500 | D |
| 6 | VI | 60 | LX | 600 | DC |
| 7 | VII | 70 | LXX | 700 | DCC |
| 8 | VIII | 80 | LXXX | 800 | DCCC |
| 9 | IX | 90 | XC | 900 | CM |
Write thousands, hundreds, tens and ones in turn. 3,999 is the largest number in standard form: MMMCMXCIX.
How to write a number as Roman numerals
Split the number into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones, and write each with the chart. For 2,476: 2,000 = MM, 400 = CD, 70 = LXX, 6 = VI, giving MMCDLXXVI.
How to read Roman numerals
Scan left to right. If a symbol is smaller than the one after it, subtract it; otherwise add it. MCMXCIV: M (1000), CM (900), XC (90), IV (4) = 1994.
Common years in Roman numerals
| Year | Roman numeral |
|---|---|
| 1900 | MCM |
| 1999 | MCMXCIX |
| 2000 | MM |
| 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 2025 | MMXXV |
| 2026 | MMXXVI |
| 2030 | MMXXX |
Where Roman numerals are still used
Clock faces, book chapters and prefaces, movie sequels and copyright dates, monarchs and popes (Elizabeth II), sporting events (Super Bowl LX), and outlines. They are also common in math lessons for place value practice.
Why is there no zero?
The Roman system had no symbol for zero, so zero cannot be written. Medieval writers used the word nulla. The calculator accepts numbers from 1.
Numbers above 3,999
An overline (vinculum) multiplies a letter by 1,000, so V with a bar is 5,000. Because this is not available in plain text, the converter is limited to 3,999.
Accuracy and limits
The converter accepts only the standard (canonical) form. Variants such as IIII on clocks or IC for 99 are flagged as non-standard, and the standard form is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write 2026 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVI: MM = 2000, XX = 20, VI = 6.
What is the largest Roman numeral?
In standard form, MMMCMXCIX = 3,999.
What does IV mean?
4, one less than V.
Is there a Roman numeral for 0?
No, the Roman system had no zero.
Why do clocks show IIII?
A traditional clock-face convention; the standard form for 4 is IV.
Sources
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