Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and Roman numerals back to numbers instantly. Supports values from 1 to 3,999 with validation and step-by-step breakdown.
Roman Numeral Chart
Common Conversions
Famous Years in Roman Numerals
How Roman Numerals Work
Roman numerals use seven letters to represent values: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). Numbers are formed by combining these letters according to specific rules.
Addition Rule
When a smaller numeral follows a larger one, add the values together:
Subtraction Rule
When a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, subtract the smaller from the larger:
Valid Subtractions
- I can precede V (4) and X (9)
- X can precede L (40) and C (90)
- C can precede D (400) and M (900)
Repetition Limits
I, X, C, and M can be repeated up to 3 times. V, L, and D are never repeated.
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Where Roman Numerals Are Used
Movie & TV Credits
Film copyright years are traditionally shown in Roman numerals (© MMXXV). Super Bowl numbers also use this format.
Clock Faces
Many analog clocks and watches use Roman numerals for the hours, often with IIII instead of IV for visual balance.
Books & Outlines
Chapter numbers, volume numbers, and formal outlines often use Roman numerals for organization.
Royal Names
Monarchs and popes use Roman numerals: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, King Charles III.
Architecture
Building cornerstones, monuments, and inscriptions often display dates in Roman numerals.
Sports Events
Major events like the Super Bowl (Super Bowl LVIII) and Olympics use Roman numerals for prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Roman numerals go above 3999?▼
Standard Roman numerals use M (1000) as the largest symbol, and M can only be repeated 3 times (MMM = 3000). For larger numbers, ancient Romans used a bar over numerals to multiply by 1000, but this isn't supported in standard modern usage.
Why is 4 written as IV instead of IIII?▼
The subtractive notation (IV) became standard to avoid four identical symbols in a row and make numbers shorter. However, IIII is sometimes used on clock faces for visual symmetry with VIII on the opposite side.
What is the Roman numeral for zero?▼
Roman numerals have no symbol for zero. The concept of zero wasn't used in the Roman numeral system. This is one reason why Roman numerals were eventually replaced by Arabic numerals for mathematics.
How do I remember the Roman numeral values?▼
A helpful mnemonic: "My Dear Cat Loves Xtra Vitamins Intensely" - M (1000), D (500), C (100), L (50), X (10), V (5), I (1), from largest to smallest.
Are there any rules for writing Roman numerals?▼
Yes! I, X, C, M can repeat up to 3 times. V, L, D never repeat. Subtractive pairs are limited: I before V/X only, X before L/C only, C before D/M only. Smaller values generally go after larger ones except for valid subtractions.
What year is MCMLXXXIV?▼
MCMLXXXIV = M (1000) + CM (900) + L (50) + XXX (30) + IV (4) = 1984. This was famously used as the title of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984".