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Number ↔ Roman

Convert numbers to Roman numerals — and back.

Type a number to see it in Roman numerals, or paste a Roman numeral to read it as a number. Works from I (1) to MMMCMXCIX (3,999), with instant validation.

Whole numbers only. Roman numerals have no zero and no decimals.

In Roman numerals
MMXXVI
= 2,026

Popular conversions

Tap any example to load it into the converter.

The seven Roman numeral symbols
SymbolValueMemory aid
I1A single tally mark
V5An open hand — five fingers
X10Two hands crossed
L50—
C100Latin centum
D500—
M1,000Latin mille

How Roman numerals work

Roman numerals are built by adding and subtracting the seven symbols above. Read them left to right, largest value first.

Addition

When a symbol is followed by one of equal or smaller value, you add: VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8 and MCC = 1000 + 100 + 100 = 1200.

Subtraction

When a smaller symbol comes before a larger one, subtract it. Only six pairs are valid: IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90, CD = 400, CM = 900. So 4 is IV, never IIII.

Repetition limits

I, X, C and M may repeat up to three times in a row (XXX = 30). V, L and D never repeat. That is why this tool rejects forms like IIII or VV.

No zero, no decimals

There is no symbol for zero and no way to write a fraction or decimal in standard notation. For amounts with cents or large currency values, the number-to-words converter is the better tool.

Frequently asked questions

What is the largest number in standard Roman numerals?
Standard Roman numerals go up to 3,999, written as MMMCMXCIX. Larger values traditionally use a vinculum (a bar over a numeral) to multiply it by 1,000, which most everyday converters do not require.
How do you write 0 in Roman numerals?
There is no Roman numeral for zero. The Romans had no positional zero; when a word was needed they used the Latin term "nulla", meaning none.
Why is 4 written as IV instead of IIII?
Standard Roman numerals use subtractive notation: a smaller symbol placed before a larger one is subtracted, so 4 is IV (5 minus 1). The IIII form still appears on many clock faces for visual balance, but IV is the correct written form.
How do you write the current year in Roman numerals?
2026 is written MMXXVI: MM is 2000, XX is 20, V is 5 and I is 1.
What are the seven Roman numeral symbols?
There are seven symbols: I is 1, V is 5, X is 10, L is 50, C is 100, D is 500 and M is 1,000. Every Roman numeral is built by combining these.
Can Roman numerals show decimals or fractions?
Roman numerals represent whole numbers only and have no decimal point. The Romans did use a duodecimal fraction system with symbols such as S for one half, but it is not part of standard numeral writing.