Roman Numeral Converter
Convert any number (1–3999) to Roman numerals or Roman numerals back to numbers instantly. Free, private, no ads.
Roman Numeral Converter
Convert between numbers and Roman numerals
How to Use
- 1 Choose a conversion direction: Number → Roman or Roman → Number
- 2 Enter a number (1–3999) or type Roman numerals (e.g. XIV, MCMXCIV)
- 3 See the converted result instantly with a full breakdown of each symbol
- 4 Click Copy to copy the result to your clipboard
- 5 Use the Quick Convert buttons (e.g. 2025, 1994) for instant results
What You Get
Two-way Roman numeral converter supporting numbers 1 through 3999. Real-time conversion with a step-by-step breakdown showing how each Roman numeral symbol maps to its value. Includes a quick reference chart and preset buttons for popular values.
Input: 2026
Output: MMXXVI (M=1000 + M=1000 + X=10 + X=10 + V=5 + I=1)
Input: MCMXCIV
Output: 1994 (M=1000 + CM=900 + XC=90 + IV=4)
Input: 42
Output: XLII (XL=40 + I=1 + I=1)
Input: MMXXVI
Output: 2026 (M=1000 + M=1000 + X=10 + X=10 + V=5 + I=1)
How do you write 2026 in Roman numerals?
2026 in Roman numerals is MMXXVI. This breaks down as: M (1000) + M (1000) + X (10) + X (10) + V (5) + I (1) = 2026. The two M's represent 2000, XX represents 20, and VI represents 6.
What are the basic Roman numeral symbols?
There are seven basic Roman numeral symbols: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, and M = 1000. All Roman numerals are formed by combining these symbols using addition and subtraction rules.
What is the subtractive rule in Roman numerals?
The subtractive rule states that when a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, you subtract it. For example: IV = 4 (5 − 1), IX = 9 (10 − 1), XL = 40 (50 − 10), XC = 90 (100 − 10), CD = 400 (500 − 100), and CM = 900 (1000 − 100). This avoids writing four identical symbols in a row (IIII → IV).
What is the largest number you can write in Roman numerals?
Using standard Roman numerals (without vinculum notation), the largest number is 3999, written as MMMCMXCIX. Numbers above 3999 historically required a vinculum — a line drawn above a numeral to multiply its value by 1000 (for example, a V with an overline equals 5000). This converter supports the standard range of 1 to 3999.
What does MCMXCIV mean?
MCMXCIV = 1994. Breaking it down: M = 1000, CM = 900 (1000 − 100), XC = 90 (100 − 10), IV = 4 (5 − 1). Adding these together: 1000 + 900 + 90 + 4 = 1994. This is a classic example because it uses three of the six subtractive pairs (CM, XC, IV).
Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?
The Roman numeral system was developed before the concept of zero was widely adopted in Western mathematics. Romans used the word "nulla" (meaning "nothing") when they needed to express zero, but never created a symbol for it. Since Roman numerals represent counted quantities, zero — the absence of quantity — had no symbol.
How are Roman numerals used today?
Roman numerals are still widely used for: clock and watch faces (I through XII), copyright dates on films and TV shows (© MMXXVI), chapter and volume numbering in books, Super Bowl numbering (Super Bowl LIX), outlines and lists, monarch names (Queen Elizabeth II), and academic or formal documents.
What is XL in Roman numerals?
XL = 40. It uses the subtractive rule: X (10) before L (50) means 50 − 10 = 40. Similarly: XC = 90 (100 − 10), CD = 400 (500 − 100), and CM = 900 (1000 − 100).
100% client-side – your data never leaves your device. All conversions happen instantly in your browser.