Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals back to numbers instantly.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Roman numeral quick reference
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
How Roman numerals work
Roman numerals are built by combining symbols additively (e.g., VI = 5 + 1 = 6) and subtractively when a smaller symbol precedes a larger one (e.g., IV = 5 - 1 = 4). Only certain subtractive pairs are standard I before V or X, X before L or C, and C before D or M which is why 1994 is written MCMXCIV (1000 + 900 + 90 + 4), not a simpler-looking alternative. This tool converts in both directions and shows a step-by-step breakdown of how each value was built.
A short history
Roman numerals date back over 2,000 years to ancient Rome, where they were the standard way to record numbers for trade, construction, and government records across the Roman Empire. They remained Europe's primary number system for over a thousand years, even after the empire's fall, until Hindu-Arabic numerals (0-9, the digits used almost everywhere today) gradually replaced them starting around the 14th century because they made arithmetic especially multiplication and division dramatically easier.
Where Roman numerals still show up today
They never fully disappeared from ceremonial and stylistic use: clock and watch faces often use them (sometimes with the quirky IIII instead of IV at the 4), movie sequels and video game titles use them for a classic feel (Rocky IV, Final Fantasy XVI), the Super Bowl has numbered every game since Super Bowl I in Roman numerals, book chapters and the front matter of books (prefaces, introductions) are commonly numbered i, ii, iii, and monarchs, popes, and family names use them to distinguish generations (Elizabeth II, Louis XIV).
FAQ
What's the largest number I can convert?
Standard Roman numerals go up to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers traditionally require a bar (vinculum) over a symbol to multiply it by 1,000, which isn't supported here since it's rarely used in modern contexts.
Why do some clocks show IIII instead of IV?
This is a stylistic tradition on clock faces, not a standard rule this converter uses the standard subtractive notation (IV, IX, etc.) used everywhere else. Theories for the clock tradition include visual balance with the VIII on the opposite side and simply predating standardized subtractive notation.
Why is 1994 written MCMXCIV instead of something shorter?
Roman numeral rules only allow specific subtractive pairs, and each numeral value can only be used a limited number of times in a row (no more than three of the same symbol), so 1994 has to be broken into 1000 (M) + 900 (CM) + 90 (XC) + 4 (IV) rather than combined more compactly.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No the Romans didn't have a symbol for zero as a number in their standard numeral system; the concept of zero as a placeholder number was developed later in Indian mathematics and reached Europe through Arabic scholars.
How do I write a year like 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 breaks down as 2000 (MM) + 26 (XXVI) = MMXXVI. Enter 2026 into the number field above to see this same step-by-step breakdown for any year or number.
Why do Super Bowl and movie titles use Roman numerals?
It's largely tradition and branding Roman numerals give sequels and annual events a formal, timeless look compared to plain Arabic numbers, a convention the Super Bowl adopted starting with Super Bowl V in 1971 and applied retroactively to the first four games.