Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers from 1 to 3999 into Roman numerals and back, with the breakdown of every numeral and a check for non-standard forms like IIII or IC.
2026 = MMXXVI
The Seven Symbols
| Symbol | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |
The Five Rules of Roman Numerals
Modern standard notation follows five rules. The converter checks every numeral you enter against them, and suggests the standard form when one is broken.
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Add symbols written from largest to smallest | XVI = 10 + 5 + 1 = 16 |
| A smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted | IX = 10 − 1 = 9 |
| Only I, X and C are subtracted, and only from the next two symbols up | IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, CM, never IL or IC |
| I, X, C and M repeat at most three times in a row | III = 3, but 4 is IV, not IIII |
| V, L and D are never repeated or subtracted | 10 is X, not VV |
Worked Example: Why 1994 Is MCMXCIV
Split the number by place value, then write each part with its own symbols, from the largest down.
Step 1: Split by place value
Step 2: Write each part
Step 3: Join them in order
Each digit of the number becomes its own group, which is why MCMXCIV has four groups for four digits. Reading back works the same way: split the numeral wherever a group ends.
Roman Numerals Chart
1 to 20, then the tens and hundreds. Any other number is built by combining these groups.
| Number | Roman |
|---|---|
| 1 | I |
| 2 | II |
| 3 | III |
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 6 | VI |
| 7 | VII |
| 8 | VIII |
| 9 | IX |
| 10 | X |
| 11 | XI |
| 12 | XII |
| 13 | XIII |
| 14 | XIV |
| 15 | XV |
| 16 | XVI |
| 17 | XVII |
| 18 | XVIII |
| 19 | XIX |
| 20 | XX |
| Number | Roman |
|---|---|
| 10 | X |
| 20 | XX |
| 30 | XXX |
| 40 | XL |
| 50 | L |
| 60 | LX |
| 70 | LXX |
| 80 | LXXX |
| 90 | XC |
| 100 | C |
| Number | Roman |
|---|---|
| 100 | C |
| 200 | CC |
| 300 | CCC |
| 400 | CD |
| 500 | D |
| 600 | DC |
| 700 | DCC |
| 800 | DCCC |
| 900 | CM |
| 1000 | M |
Years in Roman Numerals
Years are the most common thing people convert, for copyright lines, inscriptions and tattoos.
| Year | Roman numerals |
|---|---|
| 1066 | MLXVI |
| 1776 | MDCCLXXVI |
| 1900 | MCM |
| 1984 | MCMLXXXIV |
| 1999 | MCMXCIX |
| 2000 | MM |
| 2010 | MMX |
| 2024 | MMXXIV |
| 2025 | MMXXV |
| 2026 | MMXXVI |
| 2030 | MMXXX |
Where You See Roman Numerals Today
| Where | Example |
|---|---|
| Clock and watch faces | Usually IIII for 4, not IV, a long-standing convention |
| Film and TV copyright years | MCMXCIX (1999), MMXXVI (2026) |
| Super Bowl numbers | Super Bowl LX was played in February 2026 |
| Monarchs, popes and ships | Charles III, Leo XIV, Queen Mary II |
| Book front matter and outlines | Prefaces paged i, ii, iii; outline sections I, II, III |
Clock faces are the famous exception to the rules: most use IIII rather than IV. This converter follows standard notation, so it reads IIII as non-standard and suggests IV.
Numbers Above 3999
Standard notation tops out at MMMCMXCIX (3999), because M can only repeat three times. Larger numbers traditionally use a vinculum, a bar over a numeral that multiplies it by 1,000: V̄ is 5,000 and X̄ is 10,000, so 5,000 is V̄ and 4,000 is MV̄ or IV̄. There's no single agreed modern standard for these, which is why this converter stays within 1–3999.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Roman numeral for zero?
No. Roman numerals were used for counting and recording amounts, and the Romans had no symbol for zero. Medieval scholars sometimes wrote N, for nulla (nothing).
Why is 4 written IV and not IIII?
Standard notation limits repeats to three and uses subtraction instead. IIII does appear on clock faces and in some older inscriptions, but IV is the accepted modern form.
Can I write Roman numerals in lowercase?
Yes. Lowercase (i, ii, iii, iv) is standard for book prefaces and list numbering. The converter accepts either case.
Why is 99 not IC?
I can only be subtracted from V or X. So 99 is split as 90 + 9 = XC + IX = XCIX.
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