Roman Numeral Converter
Enter a number (1–3999) to get Roman numerals, or enter Roman numerals to get the integer value.
Roman Numeral Symbols
| Symbol | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | III = 3, IV = 4, VIII = 8, IX = 9 |
| V | 5 | V = 5, VI = 6, VII = 7 |
| X | 10 | X = 10, XL = 40, XC = 90 |
| L | 50 | L = 50, LX = 60, LXX = 70 |
| C | 100 | C = 100, CD = 400, CM = 900 |
| D | 500 | D = 500, DC = 600, DCC = 700 |
| M | 1,000 | M = 1000, MM = 2000, MMM = 3000 |
Numbers 1–20 in Roman Numerals
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Roman numerals?
Roman numerals are a numeral system originating in ancient Rome that uses combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They were the standard writing system for numbers throughout Europe until the 14th century and are still used today for ordinals, clock faces, outlines, and year dates.
What is the subtractive notation rule?
In standard Roman numeral notation, a smaller value placed before a larger value means subtraction. IV = 4 (not IIII), IX = 9 (not VIIII), XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900. This prevents more than three of the same symbol from appearing consecutively.
What is the largest Roman numeral?
Using standard notation (without vinculum/overline), the largest Roman numeral is 3,999 = MMMCMXCIX. To represent larger numbers, ancient Romans used a bar over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000, but this is not in common use today. This converter handles 1–3,999.
Why are Roman numerals still used today?
Roman numerals appear in: movie copyright dates, clock faces, Super Bowl numbers, Olympic Games, monarchs and popes (e.g., King Charles III), book chapter numbering, academic outlines, and architectural cornerstones. They convey a sense of formality and tradition.
What year is MMXXVI?
MMXXVI = 2026. Breaking it down: MM = 2000, XX = 20, VI = 6. Similarly: MMXXV = 2025, MMXXVII = 2027.