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Roman Numeral Converter
Convert numbers 1–3999 into Roman numerals and Roman numerals back into numbers.
About the Roman Numeral Converter
Roman numerals use seven letters, I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500) and M (1,000). Type a number from 1 to 3,999 or a Roman numeral in the same box, the tool works out which you typed, and it shows the answer with each piece of the numeral and its value. It can also write any date in Roman numerals.
What you can do with the Roman Numeral Converter
- One box, both ways: Type 2026 or MMXXVI and it works out which you meant.
- Piece-by-piece: Shows each part of the numeral and its value.
- Dates in Roman: Write any date, like a wedding or birthday, in Roman numerals.
- 1 to 3,999: Covers the full range of standard numerals.
The subtraction rule
Numerals are normally written largest first and added up: VIII is 5 + 3 = 8. When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, it's subtracted instead. Only six pairs are used: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900). That's why 1994 is MCMXCIV.
Why the range stops at 3,999
There's no Roman numeral for zero, and standard notation allows at most three M's in a row, so 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX) is the largest number it can write.
Dates in Roman numerals
Dates for tattoos, wedding invitations and engravings are often written in Roman numerals, like II · X · MMXXVI. Pick a date in the date card and choose day-month-year or month-day-year order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What year is MMXXVI?
2026: MM (2,000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
Can I type Roman numerals in lowercase?
Yes. Lowercase numerals like "xiv" are read the same as uppercase.
Why does it say IIII isn't standard?
IIII is read as 4, it appears on many clock faces, but the standard way to write 4 is IV, so the tool tells you the usual form.
Why can't Roman numerals show 0 or numbers above 3,999?
The Roman system has no symbol for zero, and the largest standard numeral is MMMCMXCIX (3,999), because M cannot be repeated more than three times. Larger values used a bar over a letter to multiply it by 1,000, which is outside the standard range.
Why is 1999 written MCMXCIX and not MIM?
Only I, X and C can be subtracted, and each only from the next two larger symbols: I from V and X, X from L and C, C from D and M. So 1999 is built as M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IX (9), giving MCMXCIX.
How do you write 49 in Roman numerals?
49 is XLIX, made of XL (40) and IX (9). IL looks shorter but breaks the rule that I can only come before V or X. The same applies to 99, which is XCIX and not IC.
How do I write 15 August 1947 in Roman numerals?
15 August 1947 is XV · VIII · MCMXLVII in Day · Month · Year order. Pick the date in the date card to get any date, such as a birthday, wedding or tattoo date, written this way.
Should a Roman numeral date be day first or month first?
Use the order people will read it in. India and most countries write day first, so choose Day · Month · Year. For an American reader, choose Month · Day · Year. The tool also shows the date in digits underneath to avoid mix-ups.
What are the values of the Roman numeral letters?
I is 1, V is 5, X is 10, L is 50, C is 100, D is 500 and M is 1,000. Six subtractive pairs fill the gaps: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900).
What is the largest Roman numeral?
In the standard form it is MMMCMXCIX, which equals 3,999: MMM (3000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IX (9). Type 3999 or tap its shortcut to see it broken into those parts.
Can V, L or D be repeated?
No. V, L and D are never repeated or used to subtract, because VV, LL and DD would just be X, C and M. I, X, C and M can each repeat up to three times in the standard form, as in III or XXX.
Read the guide
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