Numbers to Roman Numerals Converter

Number to Roman Numerals Converter

Conversion Options

Conversion Type Number to Roman Roman to Number

Enter Number (1-3999)

Enter Roman Numerals

Conversion Results

Number

-

The number in standard Arabic numeral format

Roman Numerals

-

The number expressed in Roman numerals

Cost vs. Savings Comparison (First 5 Years)

Year	Cost	Savings	Net	Cumulative

Roman Numerals Guide

Basic Numerals

I = 1

V = 5

X = 10

L = 50

C = 100

D = 500

M = 1000

Subtraction Rule

When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, subtract it:

IV = 4 (5 - 1)

IX = 9 (10 - 1)

XL = 40 (50 - 10)

XC = 90 (100 - 10)

CD = 400 (500 - 100)

CM = 900 (1000 - 100)

This converter follows standard Roman numeral conventions. Numbers must be between 1 and 3999.

Conversion History

Date	Type	Number	Roman	Actions

Roman Numerals: Your Complete Guide

From Ancient Rome to Modern Uses - Learn, Convert, and Master Roman Numerals

Have you ever looked at a clock face, a movie title, or a building cornerstone and seen mysterious letters like IV, IX, or MCMXCIV? These are Roman numerals - a number system that was used for thousands of years and is still relevant today!

In this guide, we'll take you from complete beginner to Roman numeral expert. Plus, we've included an interactive converter so you can practice as you learn!

Try Our Roman Numerals Converter

Convert any number (1-3999) to Roman numerals, or Roman numerals back to regular numbers. It's instant and accurate!

What Are Roman Numerals?

Roman numerals are a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome around 500 BCE. They were used throughout the Roman Empire and remained the dominant way of writing numbers in Europe for over 1,500 years!

Historical Fun Fact

Roman numerals were used on Roman coins, monuments, and legal documents. Even today, you can see them on clocks, movie release years, book chapters, and building cornerstones!

The 7 Basic Roman Numerals

Roman numerals use just 7 letters from the Latin alphabet. Each letter has a fixed value:

Roman Numeral	Value	Memory Trick
I	1	One finger
V	5	V shape = 5 fingers
X	10	Two V's crossed (think of X as two V's)
L	50	Lowercase l looks like 1, but it's 50
C	100	Century = 100 years
D	500	Half of M (1000) using an old symbol
M	1000	Mille = thousand in Latin

Simple Examples:

I = 1

III = 3

X = 10

L = 50

C = 100

M = 1000

The 3 Simple Rules of Roman Numerals

Rule 1: Addition Rule

When a smaller numeral comes AFTER a larger one, you ADD their values.

Addition Examples:

VI = 5 + 1 = 6

XII = 10 + 1 + 1 = 12

LX = 50 + 10 = 60

DC = 500 + 100 = 600

Rule 2: Subtraction Rule

When a smaller numeral comes BEFORE a larger one, you SUBTRACT the smaller from the larger.

The Magic of Subtraction:

IV = 5 - 1 = 4

IX = 10 - 1 = 9

XL = 50 - 10 = 40

XC = 100 - 10 = 90

CD = 500 - 100 = 400

CM = 1000 - 100 = 900

Pro Tip: The "Four" Rule

In Roman numerals, you never write "IIII" for 4. It's always "IV" (5-1). This rule applies to 4, 40, 400, and 900 too!

Rule 3: Repetition Rule

A numeral can be repeated up to 3 times in a row. Never 4 times!

Repetition Examples (Good vs Bad):

✓ Correct: III = 3 (three I's)

✗ Incorrect: IIII = 4 (four I's - use IV instead)

✓ Correct: XXX = 30 (three X's)

✗ Incorrect: XXXX = 40 (four X's - use XL instead)

Putting It All Together

Let's Convert 2023:

Step 1: Break it down: 2000 + 20 + 3

Step 2: Convert each part:

• 2000 = MM (1000 + 1000)
• 20 = XX (10 + 10)
• 3 = III (1 + 1 + 1)

MM + XX + III = MMXXIII

So, 2023 = MMXXIII

Why Do We Still Use Roman Numerals?

Clocks and Watches

Many traditional clocks use Roman numerals for a classic look. Look at your watch - is it IIII or IV at 4 o'clock?

Movie Credits

Movie release years often appear in Roman numerals for a distinctive appearance (MCMLXXXIV = 1984).

Book Chapters

Many books use Roman numerals for front matter (preface, introduction) and chapter numbers.

Building Dates

Cornerstones of buildings often show construction dates in Roman numerals.

Fun Fact: Super Bowl Numbers

The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals for game numbers. Super Bowl LVIII was Super Bowl 58! This tradition started with Super Bowl V to avoid confusion since the game is played in a different year than the season.

Common Roman Numerals You Should Know

Number	Roman	How to Remember
1	I	One line
4	IV	5-1 (never IIII)
5	V	Five fingers
9	IX	10-1
10	X	Crossed arms
40	XL	50-10
50	L	Half a hundred
90	XC	100-10
100	C	Century
500	D	Half of M
1000	M	Thousand (Mille)

Frequently Asked Questions (15 Common Questions)

1. Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?

The Romans didn't have a concept of zero as a number! Their system was developed for counting and measuring, not for complex mathematics. The concept of zero came to Europe much later from India via Arab mathematicians.

2. What is the largest number Roman numerals can represent?

There's no theoretical limit, but in practice, Roman numerals become very long for large numbers. Our converter handles 1-3999, which covers most practical uses. Romans sometimes used a bar over a numeral to multiply by 1000 (V̅ = 5000).

3. Why do some clocks show "IIII" instead of "IV"?

This is a common historical anomaly! Some theories: symmetry (III balances VIII), tradition (early Roman clocks used IIII), or to avoid disrespect to Jupiter (IV are the first letters of Jupiter in Latin). Most modern clocks use IV.

4. How do you write years like 2024?

2024 = MMXXIV. Break it down: 2000 (MM) + 20 (XX) + 4 (IV). Always work from largest to smallest values!

5. What about fractions in Roman numerals?

Romans used special symbols for fractions! "S" meant ½, and dots or specific symbols represented other fractions. Our converter focuses on whole numbers since fractional Roman numerals are rarely used today.

6. Why did we switch to Arabic numerals?

Arabic numerals (0-9) are much easier for calculations, especially multiplication and division. They spread to Europe around the 12th century and became dominant by the 15th century because they made mathematics and commerce much easier.

7. How do you write 49 in Roman numerals?

49 = XLIX (40 + 9). Not IL! Remember: you can only subtract I from V or X, not L. So 40 is XL (50-10) and 9 is IX (10-1).

8. What's the Roman numeral for 0?

There isn't one! Romans didn't have a symbol for zero. If you need to represent "nothing" in a Roman context, you'd just not write anything.

9. How are really large numbers written?

For very large numbers, Romans sometimes used a bar over a numeral to multiply by 1000. Example: V̅ = 5000, X̅ = 10,000. They also used parentheses: (V) = 5000. But these are rarely used today.

10. Why do movie sequels use Roman numerals?

Roman numerals give sequels a classic, timeless feel. Star Wars started this trend with Episode IV: A New Hope (released in 1977 but set as episode 4). Now it's a Hollywood tradition!

11. How do you write 99 correctly?

99 = XCIX (90 + 9). Not IC! Remember the subtraction rules: I can only be subtracted from V or X. So 90 is XC (100-10) and 9 is IX (10-1).

12. What's the longest Roman numeral for a common number?

888 is one of the longest common numbers: DCCCLXXXVIII (13 characters!). Try converting it with our tool to see!

13. Are Roman numerals still taught in schools?

Yes! Most elementary schools teach basic Roman numerals (1-100) because they help with understanding number systems, history, and appear in everyday life.

14. How do you write 5000?

In extended Roman numerals: V̅ (V with a bar over it). In practical modern use, we usually just write 5000 in Arabic numerals since Roman numerals get impractical for large numbers.

15. Why use Roman numerals today if they're less practical?

Roman numerals add tradition, elegance, and distinction. They're used for special occasions (Super Bowl), formal documents (prefaces), clocks (classic design), and anywhere you want a touch of historical elegance.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Now that you understand the rules, here are some practice problems. Try them yourself, then check with our converter:

Practice Problems:

Convert these to Roman numerals:

1. 7 = ? (Hint: 5 + 2)
2. 14 = ? (Hint: 10 + 4)
3. 49 = ? (Remember: 40 + 9)
4. 99 = ? (Remember: 90 + 9)
5. 444 = ? (Hint: 400 + 40 + 4)

Convert these to regular numbers:

1. VIII = ?
2. XIX = ?
3. XLIV = ?
4. XC = ?
5. CMXCIX = ? (This is a tricky one!)

Final Pro Tip:

Always read Roman numerals from left to right. If a smaller number comes before a larger one, subtract. If it comes after, add. And remember: I, X, and C can be subtracted. V, L, and D cannot!