Roman Numeral Converter
Roman numerals write numbers with the letters I, V, X, L, C, D and M. They still appear on clock faces, book chapters, movie sequels and the Super Bowl. Enter a number from 1 to 3999 to see its Roman numeral, or enter a Roman numeral to see the number.
How to use the roman numeral converter
- Type a number (1–3999) or a Roman numeral such as MCMXCIV.
- Read the converted value.
- If your numeral is not in standard form, the tool suggests the correct version.
Formula
| Symbol | I | V | X | L | C | D | M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 1 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 500 | 1000 |
Add symbols from largest to smallest. When a smaller symbol comes before a larger one, subtract it: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900.
Worked examples
1994
1000 (M) + 900 (CM) + 90 (XC) + 4 (IV) = MCMXCIV.
2026
2000 (MM) + 20 (XX) + 6 (VI) = MMXXVI.
History and rules of Roman numerals
Roman numerals developed in ancient Rome and stayed in wide use in Europe until the late Middle Ages, when Hindu-Arabic numerals gradually replaced them for calculation. They survive today where a formal or traditional look is wanted.
Where you still see them
- Clock and watch faces (I to XII)
- Book chapters, prefaces and page numbers
- Movie sequels and copyright years
- Monarchs and popes (Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II)
- The Super Bowl and Olympic Games
The subtraction rule
Only I, X and C can be placed before a larger symbol to subtract, and only before the next two larger symbols: I before V and X, X before L and C, C before D and M. So IC is not a valid way to write 99; use XCIX.
Quick reference
| Number | 1 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 40 | 90 | 400 | 900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman | I | IV | IX | XIV | XL | XC | CD | CM |
A tip for reading long numerals
Read left to right and split into thousands, hundreds, tens and ones. MCMXCIV becomes M | CM | XC | IV = 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4.
Practice problems
Try these yourself first, then check your answer. The answers come from the calculator above.
- Write 2049 in Roman numerals.
Show answer
2049 in Roman numerals: MMXLIX
- What number is CDXLIV?
Show answer
CDXLIV as a number: 444
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing IIII for 4. The standard form is IV (clock faces sometimes use IIII by tradition).
- Repeating a symbol more than three times in a row, or repeating V, L or D.
- Trying numbers of 4000 and above, which need an overline notation not covered here.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?
The system was made for counting and recording, not for place-value arithmetic, so it had no symbol for zero.
What is the largest number this tool handles?
3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Larger numbers use a bar over a symbol to multiply by 1,000.
How do I read MCMXCIV?
M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IV (4) = 1994.
Are lowercase Roman numerals valid?
Yes, they are used for page numbers and outlines. The tool accepts either case.
Reviewed September 26, 2026 by the SolveCalcPro editorial team. Found a mistake? Tell us; see our editorial policy.