Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals, or Roman numerals back to numbers.
About this tool
Type a number from 1 to 3,999 to get its Roman numeral, or type a Roman numeral to get the number. The tool detects which direction you need and checks that numerals follow the standard rules.
Convert a year, chapter number or clock face value into Roman numerals, or read a numeral from a building, film credit or book. Type a number or a numeral and the tool works out the direction itself, shows the answer and explains how it is built. Everything runs in your browser.
How to use the Roman Numeral Converter
- Type a number such as 1994, or a Roman numeral such as MCMXCIV.
- Read the converted result straight away.
- Check the working line to see how the numeral breaks down.
- Press Copy to copy the result.
Converting 1994
Type 1994. The largest values that fit are taken first: M (1000), then CM (900), then XC (90), then IV (4). Together they make MCMXCIV, because 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = 1994. Going the other way, MMXXVI is 1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 = 2026.
The rules of Roman numerals
Seven letters are used: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500 and M = 1000. Values are written from largest to smallest and added. To avoid four of the same letter in a row, a smaller numeral placed before a larger one is subtracted, but only in six combinations: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900). So 4 is IV, not IIII, and 99 is XCIX, not IC. With these rules the largest standard number is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers used a bar over a letter to multiply it by 1,000, which this tool does not cover. There is no Roman numeral for zero.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2026 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVI: two thousands (MM), two tens (XX), a five (V) and a one (I).
Why is 4 written IV and not IIII?
Standard modern Roman numerals use subtraction so no letter repeats more than three times. Some clock faces still show IIII for tradition, but IV is the standard form.
What is the largest number in Roman numerals?
With the standard letters, 3,999, written MMMCMXCIX. Bigger numbers needed extra notation such as a bar over a letter.
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. The Roman system had no symbol for zero; the word nulla was sometimes used instead.