Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals back to numbers instantly. Perfect for learning, historical dates, book chapters, and clock faces.
Convert Number to Roman Numerals
Quick Reference - Common Numbers
Roman Numeral Symbols
| Symbol | Value | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | One finger |
| V | 5 | Open hand (5 fingers) |
| X | 10 | Two hands crossed |
| L | 50 | Half of C (centum) |
| C | 100 | Centum (Latin for 100) |
| D | 500 | Half of M (mille) |
| M | 1000 | Mille (Latin for 1000) |
How Roman Numerals Work
Basic Rules
- Addition: When a smaller symbol comes after a larger one, add them. Example: VI = 5 + 1 = 6
- Subtraction: When a smaller symbol comes before a larger one, subtract it. Example: IV = 5 - 1 = 4
- Repetition: Symbols can repeat up to three times. Example: III = 3, XXX = 30
- No more than 3: You cannot use the same symbol more than three consecutive times
- Subtraction limitations: Only I, X, and C can be used for subtraction
Subtraction Rules in Detail
- I can be placed before V or X (4 = IV, 9 = IX)
- X can be placed before L or C (40 = XL, 90 = XC)
- C can be placed before D or M (400 = CD, 900 = CM)
- Never subtract more than one symbol at a time
- Only subtract powers of ten (I, X, C)
Examples
1984 = MCMLXXXIV
M (1000) + CM (900) + LXXX (80) + IV (4) = 1984
2024 = MMXXIV
MM (2000) + XX (20) + IV (4) = 2024
444 = CDXLIV
CD (400) + XL (40) + IV (4) = 444
Roman Numeral Conversion Chart (1-100)
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|
Where Roman Numerals Are Used Today
ð Book Chapters & Sections
Prefaces, introductions, and chapter numbers in books often use Roman numerals. Volume numbers in multi-volume sets are traditionally written in Roman numerals.
ðŽ Movie Sequels & Copyright Years
Film credits show copyright years in Roman numerals (e.g., MCMXCVII for 1997). Movie sequels use Roman numerals: Rocky II, III, IV, V.
ðïļ Historical Dates & Monuments
Building cornerstones, monuments, and plaques often display dates in Roman numerals for a classical, timeless appearance.
ð Royalty & Popes
Monarchs and popes use Roman numerals: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, King Louis XIV.
â° Clock Faces
Traditional analog clocks and watches often display hours using Roman numerals (I-XII).
ð Super Bowl
The NFL Super Bowl uses Roman numerals for each game: Super Bowl LVIII (58) was in 2024.
ð Outlines & Lists
Academic and legal documents use Roman numerals for main sections: I, II, III, with subsections A, B, C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest number in Roman numerals?
Using standard notation, the highest number is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Romans used additional notation (bars over numbers) for larger values, but this converter supports 1-3999.
Is there a zero in Roman numerals?
No. Ancient Romans didn't have a symbol for zero. The concept of zero as a number came later from Indian and Arabic mathematicians.
Why is 4 written as IV and not IIII?
The subtractive principle (IV = 4) is more efficient than additive (IIII). However, some clock faces use IIII for symmetry with VIII on the opposite side.
Can you write 1999 as MIM?
No. You can only subtract one smaller value at a time, and only I, X, or C can be used for subtraction. 1999 must be written as MCMXCIX (1000 + 900 + 90 + 9).
How do you write large numbers like 5000?
Ancient Romans used a bar (vinculum) over numerals to multiply by 1,000. VĖ = 5,000. This converter focuses on standard notation (1-3999).
Why don't we use Roman numerals for math?
Roman numerals are difficult for arithmetic. There's no place value system, no zero, and multiplication/division are extremely complex. Arabic numerals (0-9) are far more practical for calculations.
What year is MCMXC?
MCMXC = 1990. Breaking it down: M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) = 1990.